Pepe Murcia (Córdoba, 1964), a former Atlético Madrid B-team and first-team coach who took over from Bianchi in 2006, has worked across Spain’s Segunda División and in countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Finland, Qatar, and Tunisia. In an exclusive interview with Flashscore’s José Luis Gual, he reflects on his career and offers insights into the current football scene.
**On his international coaching experience:**
“It’s true that working in different countries with different cultures and traditions gives you a broader perspective on football. The key is adaptability. Sometimes that’s even more important than technical knowledge or experience.”
**On his time at Atlético Madrid:**
“I spent three seasons at the club, and my memories are all positive. I still live opposite the training ground where I started coaching the B-team. We were the last champions in Segunda B. With the first team, I had the privilege of coaching players like Antonio López, Leo Franco, Ibagaza, and especially Fernando Torres. He has won everything as a player and is an icon for Atlético and for young players everywhere. His leadership at such a young age shows that youth and personality are not mutually exclusive.”
**On Fernando Torres as a coach:**
“I’ve had the chance to talk with him and even watched one of his training sessions. I saw his team three or four times last season, and I like everything I’ve seen. He started coaching at youth level without rushing for the B-team, and he works at a professional standard, just like he understood football as a player. He is covering his mission of development and promotion brilliantly. If nothing stops him and he doesn’t rush, I believe he will coach in La Liga, either in Spain or abroad. He doesn’t need to hurry to get to Atlético’s first team; he might even benefit from trying himself outside the club.”
**On Atlético Madrid’s current form:**
“They are in playoff positions with few matches left, and it seems Torres is emulating his playing success. As a coach, he shows the same determination and intelligence.”
