On july 2025 · La Voz de Almería
Elche’s call for the Segunda RFEF pulls one of Real Murcia’s emerging coaches from the youth ranks—someone who, quietly and steadily, is carving out a future on the sidelines by growing and learning every day. His work had been highly valued at Murcia Imperial, where he was set to continue next season in the Tercera Federación—until a call came from a top-flight Elche that overshadowed everything. He didn’t hesitate to commit to their reserve team. Eder Sarabia wants quality youth players for the first team, and Cuéllar is a great teacher who knows how to deliver what the Basque coach expects.
In a twist from the usual, where clubs change coaches, this time it was the coach who made the move—just as the season was about to begin. After two strong campaigns with Murcia Imperial, Cuéllar was ready to take on a third, when Elche came calling and changed everything. Cuéllar has football in his DNA and knows what he brings to the table; his ambition to progress led him to accept a better offer, and he didn’t hesitate to take charge in the city of palm trees.
Cuéllar’s connection to youth development goes way back. Even during his playing days, he worked with youth academies at the clubs he played for. He spent time at Osasuna, a club known for its youth model. After retiring, he coached Leganés’ U19 team and San Sebastián de los Reyes. Most recently, he was firmly established at Murcia Imperial and appeared ready to continue growing—until Elche’s call changed everything and altered his path.
Working with an exciting young coach like Eder Sarabia and in a higher division than what he had signed for with Real Murcia led Cuéllar to change course. He now takes charge of Ilicitano, a reserve side for a La Liga club, which offers great development opportunities for young players. Cuéllar understood that the incentives at his new club outweighed the prospects at Murcia Imperial, and the transition has taken place smoothly.
An Inspired Youth System Left Waiting
Normally, clubs are the ones choosing their coaches, but Cuéllar broke the mold—he had to inform Real Murcia of his change of plans, even though everything pointed to him being the head coach of Imperial. Fully adapted to the Grana club and its players, all signs indicated a third season of work and shared ambition—until football’s unwritten rules dictated otherwise.
What was, at the end of May, a solid handshake agreement has turned into a radical change: Real Murcia is now looking for a new coach, and Cuéllar has taken a step forward in a career aimed at greater goals. Just as players have the right to play where they want, coaches too should be free to follow their dreams. And Elche’s call truly “sparked something” in Carlos Cuéllar, who will now be tasked with developing top players for a La Liga team. Read original
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