A decision has been made over the future of Leeds United legend Pablo Hernandez after speculation that he could leave his position as interim coach of CD Castellon.
Pablo Hernandez ended his playing career with his hometown club CD Castellon, marking an emotional return for the former Leeds United hero.
Following a disappointing start to the season, Hernandez was installed as interim Castellon head coach, overseeing an immediate improvement in results.
However, two months after accepting the position, Hernandez remained as interim coach, after the stalwart of the Marcelo Bielsa side saw results tail off, leading to speculation that he could leave his position with the club.
Now, Castellon have confirmed that they have decided on Hernandez’s future, ending a tumultuous few days at the club.
Pablo Hernandez applauds the Leeds United fans
Photo by JON SUPER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Leeds United legend Pablo Hernandez to remain with Castellon
Speaking in an official club statement, Castellon have now confirmed that Hernandez will remain in his position as head coach until the end of the current season.
Castellon got back to winning ways last weekend with a dramatic 99th-minute win, followed by a 0-0 draw against Burgos. As a result, Hernandez has lost just two of his eight games in charge.
Now, he will remain as head coach for the remainder of the year, as Castellon confirmed: “Following the commotion this morning*,* CD Castellón wishes to confirm that Pablo Hernández will remain as a head coach until the end of the 2025/2026 season.
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“Pablo took the reins of the Albinegro team as a caretaker on 16 September.
“So far, the Castellón-born coach has achieved four wins, two draws and two defeats in the eight matches he has led the team in LaLiga Hypermotion. In those matches, the team has scored nine goals and conceded only five.”
Pablo Hernandez waves to the crowd during Leeds United v West Bromwich Albion - Premier League
Photo by Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images
Castellon end speculation over Pablo Hernandez’s future
The confirmation that Hernandez will continue his stay with his hometown club follows hours of speculation that suggested the club had doubts over his position.
According to the Spanish publication Diario AS, Castellon remained on the lookout for a new coach despite Hernandez’s strong start to life as a coach.
Just hours before Hernandez was appointed, Diario AS reported: “After two months in the position, Pablo Hernández had not been officially confirmed as head coach.
“Furthermore, the sporting director is still searching for a new manager, and a change on the bench is possible in the coming days, even though the results support Pablo’s work.
“It’s worth remembering that the president reached an agreement in principle with German coach Robert Klauss a month and a half ago; however, the signing fell through due to disagreements between the parties.
“Pablo Hernández’s strong performance and the failure to secure the transfer prolonged the Castellón native’s interim tenure as manager, without his appointment ever being officially confirmed, fueling rumours of a possible dismissal.”