Recreativo de Huelva has confirmed the appointment of Jesús Galván as head coach, with Rubén Martínez joining as assistant manager, according to a club statement released on August 15, 2024. The duo previously collaborated during Galván’s tenure as assistant coach at Sevilla Atlético, where Martínez served as a physical trainer. This move marks a strategic effort by Galván to rebuild the Andalusian club ahead of the 2024-25 Segunda División campaign.
Galván, a native of Seville, has assembled a coaching staff with deep ties to his previous role at Sevilla FC. Martínez, who spent over a decade at the Spanish club, transitioned to the first team in January 2024 after serving as a physical trainer for the under-23 squad. His departure from Sevilla FC followed Galván’s move to Mirandés in 2023, though Martínez chose to remain with the senior team. The relationship between the two has now rekindled in Huelva, where Galván aims to implement a system he refined during his time at Sevilla Atlético.
Recreativo de Huelva, competing in Spain’s second division, is seeking stability after a turbulent 2023-24 season that saw them finish 18th in the table. The club’s president, José María Gutiérrez, emphasized the importance of experience in a statement: “Jesús Galván brings a proven track record in developing talent and managing high-pressure environments. Rubén Martínez’s expertise in physical preparation will be crucial in preparing our squad for the challenges ahead.”
Martínez’s career at Sevilla FC began in 2013 as a fitness coach for the club’s youth academy. His responsibilities expanded in 2021 when he joined the under-23 team, where he worked alongside then-assistant coach Galván. When Galván left for Mirandés in 2023, Martínez remained at Sevilla, eventually earning a promotion to the first team in January 2024. His role there involved coordinating with head coach Julen Lopetegui and assistant Guido Bonini, according to a Sevilla FC press release from that period.
The partnership between Galván and Martínez has historical precedent. During their time together at Sevilla Atlético, the pair helped develop players such as Pablo Fornals and Kike Barreiro, who later progressed to the first team. Galván’s appointment at Recreativo de Huelva has been interpreted as an attempt to replicate that success in a lower-tier environment. “This is a chance to build something from the ground up,” Martínez said in a recent interview with Marca. “We’ve already seen what’s possible when we work together.”
Recreativo de Huelva’s board of directors has not yet disclosed financial terms of the coaching staff’s contracts. However, sources familiar with the club’s operations suggest the hiring of Galván and Martínez reflects a broader commitment to long-term growth. The club’s sporting director, Alberto Fernández, stated in a press conference: “We’re not looking for quick fixes. Our goal is to establish a sustainable model that can compete at the highest level of Spanish football.”
The move comes amid speculation about other potential signings. Recreativo de Huelva is reportedly in talks with several midfielders and defenders, including 28-year-old Spanish midfielder Álvaro Vadillo, who recently left Getafe CF. While no official announcements have been made, the club’s transfer activity is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
For Galván, the appointment represents a return to a club with personal significance. The 45-year-old coach, who began his managerial career at Córdoba CF, has previously worked with LaLiga clubs including Getafe and Málaga. His experience in the Segunda División, where he guided Mirandés to a 10th-place finish in 2022-23, has been cited as a key factor in his hiring. “Jesús understands the demands of this league,” said Ideal sports editor María López. “His ability to balance results with player development is rare at this level.”
Martínez’s role as assistant manager will focus on tactical preparation and player fitness. His background in sports science, including a degree from the Universidad de Sevilla, has been highlighted as a potential asset. “Rubén’s approach to training is both innovative and practical,” said former Sevilla FC player José Antonio Reyes in a AS interview. “He knows how to push athletes without compromising their health.”
The first official training session for
