Pacheta

Born in Salas de los Infantes, Province of Burgos, Castile and León, Pacheta inherited his nickname as a family tradition of unknown origin.^[2] He made his debut as a senior with local Racing Lermeño in 1987 while also working as a carpenter.^[3] Two years later, he moved to Numancia of Segunda División B.^[4]

After failing to appear in La Liga with Real Burgos during the 1990–91 season (he only appeared for the farm team Atlético Burgalés in the Tercera División), Pacheta signed for third-tier side Marbella, being promoted in his debut campaign.^[5] On 6 September 1992, he played his first match as a professional, starting in a 1–1 Segunda División home draw against Castellón.^[6]

In June 1994, following a short spell at Mérida, Pacheta joined top-division Espanyol.^[7] His maiden appearance in the competition took place on 17 September, when he came on as a second-half substitute in the 0–0 home draw with Barcelona.^[8] He scored his first goal on 16 April of the following year, in a 3–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao also at the Sarrià Stadium.^[9]

Pacheta signed with Numancia of the same league in summer 1999, after 134 competitive appearances for the Catalans.^[4] He retired in 2004 at the age of 36, joining the former club's staff shortly after.^[10]

In June 2007, Pacheta was appointed Numancia's director of football,^[11] switching to manager on 17 February 2009 as a replacement for the fired Sergije Krešić.^[12] He remained in charge for 15 matches, as the Soria team were eventually relegated from the top flight.^[13]

On 15 February 2011, Pacheta signed for Real Oviedo in division three,^[14] leading the club to eighth place and renewing his contract for a further year in May. He resigned on 24 May 2012,^[15] and joined Cartagena on 10 December.^[16]

Pacheta was relieved of his duties on 20 May 2013, despite earning runner-up honours in the league with the Murcians, albeit without promotion to the second tier.^[17] He moved abroad in August, being appointed at Ekstraklasa side Korona Kielce.^[18]

Pacheta left the Polish team in June 2014,^[19] and signed with Hércules shortly after.^[20] On 25 January of the following year, he was sacked after only managing to win three out of twelve home games.^[21]

On 27 February 2018, after an experience in Thailand with Ratchaburi, Pacheta replaced the dismissed Josico at the helm of Elche.^[22] On 22 May 2019, after achieving promotion to the second division the previous campaign, he renewed his contract for a further season.^[23]

Just two days after promoting to the top tier in the play-offs, Pacheta left the Estadio Martínez Valero on 25 August 2020.^[24] The following 12 January, he took over for Míchel at Huesca in the same league.^[25] After not being able to avoid relegation, he resigned.^[26]

On 16 June 2021, Pacheta was appointed manager of Real Valladolid, also relegated to the second division.^[27] He managed another promotion in his first year, as runners-up,^[28] but was dismissed on 3 April 2023 due to poor results, the last being a 6–0 away loss to Real Madrid which left his team one point above the relegation zone.^[29]

Pacheta became the new coach of Villarreal on 9 September 2023, taking over from Quique Setién.^[30] Two months later, after five wins, three draws and four defeats in 12 matches in all competitions, and with the club sitting 13th in the league, just five points away from the relegation zone,^[31] he was sacked.^[32]

On 14 May 2025, Pacheta was appointed at Granada on a contract with until 2026.^[33] He replaced Fran Escribá for the final three fixtures of the regular season, with the goal of reaching the top-flight promotion playoffs by finishing in the top six, eventually falling short by four points.^[34][35]

As of match played 8 March 2026^[36]