Head coach Mista might be again on the helm of Atlético Ottawa for the 2021 Canadian Premier League season, the membership introduced on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old former Spanish nationwide workforce participant and La Liga striker led Ottawa to a 2-3-3 document at The Island Video games, steering the CPL’s first growth franchise to a good end throughout a turbulent 2020. In doing so, he earned a nomination for the 2020 CPL coach of the Year award.
Mista was unveiled as Ottawa’s inaugural coach in early February on the membership’s launch occasion at TD Place.
“I’m actually excited to take this duty once more and hold working laborious, humbly, to attain the entity objectives established by Atlético de Madrid,” Mista stated. “I additionally wish to proceed contributing to the private development of the younger Canadian and worldwide gamers to make a greater workforce in 2021.”
A Mista-coached Atlético Ottawa impressed of their inaugural CPL season, regardless of ending seventh – or second final – within the first stage. The primary-year workforce was in competition for a second-round spot proper as much as the ultimate matchday of the opening group stage, after they fell 2-0 to HFX Wanderers FC. Ottawa was the one first-round aspect to beat no less than two of the eventual top-four groups, besting Cavalry FC and Pacific FC earlier than departing PEI.
Gamers equivalent to Malcolm Shaw and Javier Acuña loved standout campaigns for Mista’s squad in Charlottetown.
“We have been joyful how Mista introduced the workforce collectively on a shortened and really sophisticated season,” membership CEO Fernando Lopez stated. “We have been counted out by our friends however we confirmed up and performed with our coronary heart on show.
“We’re delighted to have Mista again on main the workforce, as the primary and key piece to proceed the nice work began final season. We wish to reinforce the sturdy foundations already constructed and reap the benefits of all of the information and experiences lived to earn our success.”
The Spanish striker loved an illustrious profession in Spain’s La Liga, which included a pair of seasons at Atlético Madrid, and appearances for the Spanish nationwide workforce, in addition to a brief stint in MLS with Toronto FC. Since retiring as a participant, he has earned sideline expertise as an academy coach at Valencia and Rayo Vallecano.
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After graduating from Actual Madrid’s youth system (taking part in for legendary coach Rafael Benítez for his or her B squad) after which taking part in a significant function in Tenerife’s profitable 2001 La Liga promotion marketing campaign, Mista earned his shot with a prime Spanish aspect in Valencia. Over 5 seasons, Mista performed 185 instances and scored 48 instances for Los Ches, successful two La Liga titles and scoring within the 2004 UEFA Cup ultimate to assist Valencia win a significant European trophy. He additionally completed because the third-highest scorer that season in La Liga with 19 objectives.
Mista joined Atlético Madrid in 2006 as a 27-year-old, and he would go on to play 45 instances for Los Colchoneros throughout all competitions, banking six objectives in his two seasons on the Vicente Calderón whereas competing for minutes with the likes of Fernando Torres and Sergio Agüero.
Mista’s final vacation spot as a participant was in MLS, as he signed with TFC in the summertime of 2010 as a Designated Participant. He performed 13 video games for Toronto in his one season, scoring a memorable game-winning purpose at BMO Area towards Cruz Azul within the Concacaf Champions League. After that yr, he lastly retired on the age of 32 earlier than shifting on to educate for each Valencia and Vallecano at youth degree.
