The Spanish media have hailed Leeds United legend Pablo Hernandez after he enjoyed a dream start to his managerial career with CD Castellon.
Pablo Hernandez took over as interim coach of his hometown club, CD Castellon, following the departure of former boss Johan Plat, who oversaw five games without a win to start the new season.
The Leeds legend was a mainstay of the side that won promotion under Marcelo Bielsa, scoring the goal that sent the Whites back to the Premier League against Swansea, before he left Elland Road to return to Castellon to end his playing career in 2021.
There was also a link to Leeds in his first opponent, as Hernandez steered Castellon to a 3-1 win over Cultural Leonesa, who were partnered with the Whites through the Aspire Academy in Qatar during Andrea Radrizzani’s time as owner.
Hernandez enjoyed a dream start in his first game, steering Castellon to victory and earning praise from the Spanish media in the process.
Pablo Hernandez praised after managerial debut with Castellon
Hernandez oversaw Castellon’s first win of the season in Leon to move up to 16th place in the Segunda Division, and he was praised by the Spanish media for inspiring his side to victory.
Super Deporte ran the headline, “Pablo Hernandez restores hope to CD Castellon”, praising Hernandez for unlocking Castellon’s attack.
El Periodico Mediterraneo praised Hernandez’s decision to change Castellon’s formation, adding another body into midfield. They wrote: “In recent matches, the now-dismissed Johan Plat emptied the midfield.
“Diego Barri had operated alone as a central midfielder, with Castellón doubling the attacking midfield and leaving plenty of ground to cover for the pivot.
“In an attempt to rectify this, Pablo Hernández added a second central midfielder to the mix,” before concluding, “The strategy worked.”
The Diario de Leon stated that Cultural were “a toy in the hands of Castellon”, writing off the home side as “very dull and unable to read the game that was being waged by a Castellón team coached by a novice in these matters, Pablo Hernández.”
The Castellon al Dia believes that Hernandez could still force his way into the running to be the club’s permanent head coach, as they reported: “It remains to be seen whether Pablo Hernández will also be on the bench at Butarque.
“Castellón is currently searching for a new manager, although Bob Voulgaris hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of the former reserve team coach staying permanently with the first team.”
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Leeds United legend open to staying on with Castellon
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Hernandez admitted that he was open to extending his stay as head coach of his hometown club.
While his future remains uncertain, Hernandez stated that his sole focus is to keep winning for the duration of his interim spell.
“The club’s mentality is to win every game, so we have to start preparing for the next game and win against Leganes,” Hernandez said. “This club means a lot.
“If I have to go back to the reserves, I will. I will continue doing the work with the lads, who are doing a great job.
“If I am asked to continue, I will be delighted. I will try to contribute everything I can to the players and the team. If I am asked to continue, then perfect. If not, I will continue doing my job in the squad.”
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