ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida’s management has declined to accept the resignations of head coach Dani Martínez and sports coordinator Vinicius Teixeira. In an official statement, club president José Antonio Bolarín expressed complete confidence in both the coaching staff and players.
The situation arose when Martínez made an unexpected announcement last Friday. Stating he would offer his resignation if the team lost their upcoming match in Zaragoza. Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Wanapix – the team’s fifth consecutive loss – Martínez stood firm on his position. Declaring at the post-match press conference that this was “not a warm-up, but a firm decision.”
To address the growing tension, a meeting was convened on Sunday between general director Fran Serrejón, sports vice president Kike Boned, and both Martínez and Teixeira. The timing is particularly critical with an upcoming regional derby against Jimbee Cartagena at the Palacio de los Deportes, a rematch of last season’s league final.
The team’s performance has seen a dramatic shift in recent weeks. After a promising start to the season, including six victories and one draw – notably defeating Barcelona in their opening match – ElPozo has experienced a significant downturn. Their recent string of five consecutive defeats and elimination from the cup competition against Real Betis has dropped them to seventh place, potentially jeopardizing their position as hosts in the Spanish Cup.
recent turbulence
Despite the recent turbulence, the club has publicly reaffirmed its support for Martínez, who took charge in February 2024. The statement highlighted his achievements, including reaching the finals of both the Spanish Cup and League, along with the strong start to the current season.
The upcoming derby against Jimbee Cartagena could prove decisive. A defeat against their longtime rivals might force the board to reconsider their position, particularly with the Spanish Super Cup approaching on January 18. The team also faces challenging fixtures against Osasuna Magna and Movistar Inter in January, which could impact their Spanish Cup qualification chances.
The club may consider roster changes during the winter transfer window. Felipe Valerio, whose contract expires in June, has attracted interest from Sporting de Portugal and hasn’t received a renewal offer, unlike his teammate Marcel Marques. While Edu Sousa, David Álvarez, and Ricardo Mayor have secured new contracts, the futures of Juanjo Angosto, Esteban Cejudo, Gadeia, and Marlon remain uncertain.
