Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain – Ander Marquínez, at 37 years old, is orchestrating what many are calling a remarkable turnaround for CD Aurrera in the Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of Spanish football. After gaining promotion, Aurrera has not only secured its position in the league but is now firmly in contention for a playoff spot with just eight matchdays remaining. Marquínez, a product of the local football scene, emphasizes the strength of the team’s core and the deep connection its players have with the club and the Olaranbe stadium.
“I think it’s the team that’s fashionable right now, more than the coach,” Marquínez said, with a smile, in a recent interview. “We’re just along for the ride with this great group. But it’s true that we’re becoming a bit of a revelation in this division.”
The sentiment is hard to dispute. Aurrera’s success isn’t simply a flash in the pan. Marquínez points to a pivotal moment during the first half of the season. “During the first half of the season, once we’d played everyone and were able to compete, that’s when we realized ‘we can do this,’ regardless of where we finish,” he explained. “The team has proven to be solid and capable.”
Currently, Aurrera boasts a significant 21-point advantage over the relegation zone, with 24 points still up for grabs. Marquínez admits that such a comfortable position felt improbable at the start of the season. “In the summer, it would have seemed practically impossible. We had virtually secured our safety with ten games to travel. It’s incredible.”
The foundation of Aurrera’s success, according to Marquínez, lies in the continuity of the squad that earned promotion. “The continuity of the group that gained promotion is one of the keys,” he stated. “Also, the additions we’ve made have integrated highly well into a group that was already very competitive. The change in category didn’t affect us as much because, in previous youth stages, we had already competed well. It’s that continuity and the fact that the new players have adapted well to the group and the environment.”
Marquínez’s connection to Aurrera runs deep. He previously guided the club’s youth academy to success and understands the importance of fostering a sense of belonging. This is particularly evident in his emphasis on local talent. “It’s the main satisfaction,” he said. “To achieve this with a squad built largely from players from the local area, who are demonstrating their quality, and it’s no coincidence they’re here. Trusting them, rather than looking for outside improvements that aren’t always effective, is what makes me happiest.”
The club’s ambitions, while realistic, are also looking ahead. Marquínez acknowledges the historical success of Aurrera in the 1990s, when the team competed in Segunda B (the third tier of Spanish football). However, he cautions against direct comparisons. “Reaching that level would be incredibly difficult because those were players from the club, lifelong Aurrera players, but with a very high level. We shouldn’t make a comparison. What these players need to do is create that bond with the club and ensure that the youth academy is also in higher categories, which can lead to greater confidence in them when they move up to the senior team. It has been shown that they perform.” He believes the key to sustained growth is continuing to invest in the club’s youth system.
Marquínez’s coaching journey hasn’t been solely focused on Aurrera. He previously achieved promotion with Urgatzi, but he notes the contrasting circumstances. “Yes, they were two very different contexts. Urgatzi was a dream approach true, being able to do it with players from the ikastola (Basque school) and being the first school to be promoted to that category. It was wonderful, but it happened during the pandemic. Now, with Aurrera, which is the club where I’ve played my entire life, where I’ve coached youth teams, and now… it means a lot to me.”
Balancing his coaching duties with his profession as a teacher presents its own challenges. Marquínez notes that his students, some of whom also play for Aurrera’s youth teams, are aware of his success and offer their support. “They get a little something special out of it, they’re excited that their irakasle (teacher) is also enjoying this moment. That environment is there, and it’s appreciated.”
The demands of managing both roles are significant. Marquínez explained that his technical staff consists of a physical trainer, an assistant coach, and a team manager, with the analytical function falling primarily on his shoulders. “It’s many hours of work, but they’re welcome as long as it’s done with enjoyment.” He doesn’t currently aspire to dedicate himself entirely to football, finding fulfillment in both his teaching and coaching careers.
Looking ahead, Aurrera’s immediate focus is navigating a challenging schedule in the final eight games of the season. Marquínez and his team are taking a pragmatic approach, avoiding excessive talk of playoffs. “As a coaching staff, we don’t usually dwell on it day-to-day because we believe that every training session and every match will lead us to where we need to be. When there are fewer games left, maybe with five to go, we’ll notice what happens. We still have a fairly complicated schedule ahead of us, which is when things will be decided. For now, we have another month or so to compete, and after Semana Santa (Holy Week), we’ll see where we stand.”
For Marquínez, the success of Aurrera is deeply personal. Having come through the club’s ranks as a player, he understands the importance of nurturing local talent and building a strong connection between the team and the community. He hopes that his team can continue to build on this foundation and establish a lasting legacy at the Estadio Olaranbe.
CD Aurrera will continue their push for a playoff spot on Saturday, March 27th, against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent. Fans can follow the team’s progress and find the latest updates on the club’s official website and social media channels.
