Rayo-Elche will not be another match. Hundreds of memories will crowd into the mind of Jesús Muñoz (Mota del Cuervo, 1976), who has been a tenant on both benches. Al de Vallecas arrived as second to Paco Jémez and became his home for four seasons (12-16), a time in which they reaped a historic eighth place and gave the franjirrojo team an identity of its own, with touch play as flag. More recent was his time at Martínez Valero (20-21). He came from Almirón’s hand as second coach and with his substitute, Fran Escribá, he exercised the role of analyst until this summer their paths separated. The affection is still there. To the point that These last days, Jesus was in Elche visiting his former family last season. Promise to set foot in Vallecas soon because there are experiences that are not forgotten.
“My stage at Rayo was positive. Each game was a party because of what was lived in the stands and because of what the team offered, which played very good football. That eighth place is worthy of value, although it would highlight more the stamp that the Strip left with its game“, confessed the Cuenca to AS, where he explained the similarities and differences of that group and this one of Iraola:” One of the hallmarks of ours was possession, trying to control the match through the ball. The current one is similar in a way. I am liking it a lot, it is very competitive and cheeky“.
Although not only has Rayo changed, so has the way of understanding football. The tiqui taca it has evolved into a more direct game. “We were looking for the combination from behind in a perhaps somewhat exaggerated way. Now it is more difficult to find a group that pursues that identity mark as blatant as ours was. Football is changing to be more direct, more vertical and do damage in the rival area“, reflected Jesús Muñoz, who has not only gone through the benches of Madrid and Elche, He was also in those of Granada, Changchun Yatai —Chinese Super League—, Hercules and Almería, in two different stages.
In addition to the game itself, there is another factor that falls in love with this Ray: Falcao. “His signing at first shocked me. It was difficult to foresee that such a player would end up in a modest club. Its arrival has been positive and it is offering, in the short time it takes, a brutal performance“, argued the coach, who also praises the star of Elche, Pastore: “When he recovers his optimal level, especially in the physical, it will be essential.” These footballers are called to be decisive in achieving the common goal of both. “My bet is that Rayo and Elche are going to be spared with ease”, he wielded, supporting his idea with arguments: “The franjirrojos have a very good mattress of points, which gives the necessary confidence to all to perform at the best level. The Green and White have demonstrated solvency and competitiveness even with top rivals“.
His stay on both benches made him live great moments. Some doubly. And it is that he directed Rayo and Elche against Real Madrid. The expulsion of Paco Jémez led Jesús Muñoz to take the reins of the Franjirrojos on February 17, 2013, although could not avoid defeat against Mourinho’s team 2-0. It was better in his second round. Almirón’s positive for COVID-19 led him to repeat the experience on December 30, 2020, but then the people of Elche scored a point (1-1) against Zidane’s team. “It is anecdotal, but special,” he joked with the naturalness that characterizes him. Now he awaits a new project, watching football and training. For the moment, this Sunday he will not miss the Vallecas clash, nor will he take his eyes off Trejo: “I am liking him a lot, he is decisive, although be careful with Falcao … Elche plays a more fierce game, he will try not to receive many chances and take advantage of the cons “. The party promises, even if it has the heart parted…