Karanka: “Being here is a privilege”

Aitor Karanka was officially presented this Tuesday morning at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas as Men’s Team Technical Director of Development, a role he takes up with “pride and responsibility” and with the mission of ensuring that Spanish football continues to grow in the face of the many challenges lying ahead.

“Thank you very much for the warm welcome. I’ve always considered the RFEF my home and I’m delighted to return at such a wonderful time,” said Karanka in his address, clearly moved to see so many familiar faces. “I’m really looking forward to getting started and helping out, which is what this is all about. When you see this environment from the outside, the quality of the youth teams… Being able to be here is a privilege.”

Rafael Louzán, President of the RFEF, highlighted Karanka’s notable experience in the football world, pointing out that in addition to his career as a coach, he has also played a role in recent years as a UEFA Technical Observer and analyst. “This was once your home and now it is once again. You are the best person for this role, and you will work perfectly alongside Luis de la Fuente.”

The top figure in Spanish football expressed his firm belief that placing trust in Karanka will prove highly beneficial for the RFEF and the National Team, who begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in September. “I wish Aitor all the luck he deserves. He’s confident and clear about what he wants to achieve. With that partnership he will form with Luis, we will maintain the necessary stability to face the major challenges ahead.”

Indeed, Karanka will work directly with coach Luis de la Fuente, who was also present at the event and showed great enthusiasm at the appointment of the new Men’s Team Technical Director of Development. “It’s a privilege to have you with us, we’re delighted and very happy you’re here,” said the coach from La Rioja. “Aitor will help us in everything. He’s a great person and a very capable man. We’re eager to welcome people who come to work with us, and we’ll receive him with open arms. We have a wonderful project, and he’ll be very closely involved in our day-to-day work. We want to get things started straight away because there’s a lot to get done.”

Karanka, aged 51 and with a long track record in the dugout, is already getting down to work for Spanish football, fully aware of the responsibility that comes with the role and promising to strive for constant improvement. “We’re in a calm and stable environment, and one more person is joining this project that is the Royal Spanish Football Federation and its National Team. I’m happy to be able to bring in people with knowledge and ability,” concluded Rafael Louzán.