Ira bows to the bench virus

The change of directors continues. Regardless of the team’s history or category, or even if it is a youth team, the results are relentless. Leon-born manager José Manuel Ayra, regardless of name or heritage, was infected with the virus that plagued the bench. Having arrived in the summer of 2022 to manage the Primera Division club’s youth team, he was dismissed following poor results with the team facing relegation. This isn’t unprecedented, but it’s still surprising for a youth team that typically improves as the season progresses. The club announced his sacking and the 48-year-old will continue his leadership journey with considerable experience.

Aira is a well-known figure in Almeria. He spent three seasons with Poli Ejido in the Segunda Division. He was a great professional who wore the uniform of Thales in Santo Domingo, where lively football and memorable matches were played. The expulsion from Alaves B became a key element of the incident.

At several teams, including Racing de Ferrol, Real Murcia, Apulena Leoncer and UCAM Murcia, Aira left his mark as a dedicated professional while sitting on the bench. But the virus affects every manager, for better or for worse, and unfortunately this time it cost Aira his place at Alaves B. Alaves B competes in the Segunda RFEF with the main aim of developing first-team players. Everything has changed during these difficult times, and now it is time for him to pack his bags and prepare for his new destination.

This is not unfamiliar to the well-known football expert in El Ejido. As a high-quality player, he proudly wore the Cerest uniform and left a lasting impression. Working in a youth team does not guarantee job security on the bench. Youth teams are generally under less pressure than other teams, but Ira’s experience makes it clear that results, not performance, are what matter. What the club really cares about is winning games and accumulating points, and this applies to both old and new players. Managerial changes will continue, and those who cannot secure victory will have to pack up. This is because good play does not pay off.

Read more: Another racist incident at La Liga Hypermotion!

Deportivo Alaves and coach Jose Manuel Aira León have agreed to part ways with the Albiazul team. Aira completes a nearly three-season tenure at Deportivo Alaves B. He arrived in Vitória-Gasteis in 2022, taking charge of Bavajoro’s second team in the highly competitive Segunda RFEF. Under his guidance, the youth team reached the promotion play-offs (2022/23) and finished sixth (2023/24), missing out on the opportunity to compete in the Primera RFEF.

As is customary, Deportivo Alaves would like to express its deepest gratitude to Coach Leon, who has been associated with the Vascunia Alaves Group since 2017, for his professionalism, ethics, hard work and dedication and wishes him the best of luck personally and professionally.