Diego Martínez is one of the most important coaches of all time at Granada. We are going to summarize in 12 reasons (there are many more, without a doubt) why he has made history in the Nasrid club.
1-Promotion to First. It is very difficult to go up to the second attempt after how frustrating it is to fail in the attempt (ask Málaga, Las Palmas or Deportivo). Diego started from scratch, built a fighting and constant team and restored the morale to all of Granada. The result was a return to the top flight.
2-A spine of gold. The coach forged a Praetorian guard with Rui Silva, Aarón, Víctor Díaz, Germán, Montoro, Quini, Fede Vico, Antonio Puertas, Carlos Neva plus Foulquier and Machis, who returned after a hiatus. Around these players, a solidarity team has been forged with the footballers who have joined the rojiblanca family.
3-Three consecutive seasons. Diego Martínez will be the first coach to complete three uninterrupted seasons on the Granada bench. Achievement of great merit in a traditionally high-risk position.
4-Sporting successes. A stay in First and the second virtual, seventh place (second best ranking only below two sixth places in 1972 and 1974), semifinalist in the Cup and a formidable career in the Europa League and a feeling that the best is yet to come.
5-Bet on young people. Granada had barely promoted the quarry. In Enrique Pina's stage as president, Recre Granada was more of a second team than a formation from below, especially for foreign players. Carlos Neva has established himself with Diego and there are good Recre Granada players with good looks like goalkeeper Ángel, Pepe Sánchez, Isma Ruiz, Aranda, Torrente and Barcia.
6-Identification with the fans. Few coaches have been as loved by their fans as Diego Martínez. Maybe Joseito, Lucas Alcaraz or Fabri to name a few. People want their renewal.
7-The Kenedy's explosion. The Brazilian came from some unsuccessful assignments, the last of them in Getafe. In Los Cármenes he has exploited his talent and has entered an ideal UEFA Europa League line-up. He is on loan from Chelsea, with whom he has a one-year contract. Granada can try to keep him.
8-Ability to overcome adversity. The coronavirus, injuries and a devastating calendar have not broken the strong will of this team. Diego was the leader who never allowed sadness or depression when circumstances were adverse.
9-Effort management engineering. This phrase is from the Vigo coach. He explains how he has had to distribute the minutes of his players based on their physical condition or if they were fresh from injuries.
10-Soldier wants his continuity. The forward, who only needs Granada to sign his mathematical permanence to seal his salvation, made it clear last Thursday: “I would like to continue and I hope with this coaching staff.”
11-Identification with Granada and Granada. Coaches, as it was said in the past, have a suitcase with wheels and it is not easy for them to take root in a place. Diego Martínez seems to have been in this city all his life
12-Door of the Trainers. Emblematic place of access to Los Cármenes where the names of the technicians who have directed the team are located. In preferential place are José Iglesias ‘Joseíto’ who led 206 games to Granada and Diego Martínez who has 138.