Real Sociedad Appoint Reserve Coach Francisco as New Manager, Succeeding Alguacil

Real Sociedad have announced the appointment of their reserve team coach, Sergio Francisco, as the new manager for the upcoming season, taking over from Imanol Alguacil, who will step aside at the conclusion of the current campaign, the LaLiga club confirmed on Friday.

Alguacil has been at the helm since 2018, during which time he secured the Copa del Rey title in 2020 and led Real to five consecutive seasons of European competition. He communicated his decision to leave the role at the end of the season, coinciding with the expiration of his contract, on Thursday.

In a move consistent with their previous strategy, the club has opted to promote from within. Like Alguacil, Francisco launched his playing career at Real Sociedad and has managed the club’s C and B teams since 2017, following a stint at Real Union in Spain’s third division.

The 45-year-old Francisco has signed a contract that runs until 2027 and will oversee the reserves for the last time on Saturday before focusing on preparations for the next season.

Currently, Real Sociedad sits in 10th place in the LaLiga standings with 42 points and still harbours aspirations of qualifying for European competition once more.