Javier Clemente

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Lore & Background

Clemente's coaching career began immediately after retiring, with stops at local Arenas Club de Getxo, CD Basconia, and Athletic's reserves. In summer 1981, the 31-year-old was appointed at Athletic Bilbao. He led the side to back-to-back national championships in his second and third years. During this time, he began a bitter rivalry with César Luis Menotti and his FC Barcelona – the Argentine criticised his playing style as authoritarian and his teams as defensive and destructive, and the Spaniard in turn dismissed Menotti as an ageing hippy and womaniser. The culmination was the 1984 Copa del Rey final, which ended in a massive brawl between the two sets of players. Clemente left Athletic midway through the 1985–86 season after a run-in with star player Manuel Sarabia.

In Their Own Story

The 1984 Copa del Rey final in Madrid was the climax of a bitter rivalry. Clemente's Athletic Bilbao faced César Luis Menotti's FC Barcelona. The match ended in a massive brawl between the two sets of players, capping years of personal attacks between the managers. Clemente had dismissed Menotti as an ageing hippy and womaniser, while Menotti criticised Clemente's playing style as authoritarian and his teams as defensive and destructive. For Clemente, the victory was not just a trophy – it was vindication of his methods and a triumph for his Basque club over the Catalan giants.

Reader's Guide

Javier Clemente's managerial career is defined by his success with Athletic Bilbao. He won La Liga in 1983 and 1984, and the Copa del Rey in 1984. After leaving Athletic, he led RCD Español to a best-ever third place in 1987 and the UEFA Cup final the following year, but was relieved of his duties in March 1989 after questioning his squad's desire – the campaign eventually ended in relegation. He later managed Spain from 1992 to 1998, leading the country to the 1994 and 1998 World Cups and Euro 1996, with a run of 31 matches without defeat. His last game in charge was a 3–2 defeat in Cyprus for Euro 2000 qualifiers. He also managed Serbia, Cameroon, Libya, and the Basque Country unofficial team.

Did You Know?

• Clemente was forced to retire from playing at age 24 after suffering a serious leg injury (fibula and tibia) on 23 November 1969, from which he never fully recovered despite four unsuccessful operations.
• He was nicknamed 'El rubio de Barakaldo' (The blond from Barakaldo) per his hair colour and town of origin.
• Clemente managed Athletic Bilbao for 289 official matches, though this is not a club record; the record is held by others and his total is lower.
• Clemente's first managerial appointment came in 1975, immediately after retiring from playing.