ATP Tudelano Ribera Navarra has parted ways with head coach Álvaro “Cone” Cordón Díez following the team’s 0-3 defeat to Noia Portus Apostoli on Saturday. The loss, which pushed the team into the relegation zone, prompted club president Ramón Lázaro to make this difficult decision.
This marks the third coaching change in the First Division this season, following the departures of David Ramos from Viña Albali Valdepeñas and Dani Martínez from Elpozo Murcia. Despite significant investment in both summer and winter transfer windows, including four new signings and the notable return of Brazilian player Terry Prestjord, the team has struggled to find form. They are currently winless in their last six league matches, managing only two draws while suffering four defeats.
“This decision, though painful, was necessary given our recent poor form and results,” Lázaro explained. He emphasized Cone’s dedication and excellent work ethic, noting that the results simply hadn’t reflected the coach’s efforts. Cone, who had taken charge last April following Juanma Marube’s departure, had earned his contract renewal after securing the team’s survival on the final day of last season.
faith in the squad
Lázaro expressed continued faith in the squad, stating that positive results would come with time and effort. The club has already begun its search for a new head coach, with Lázaro hoping to have someone in place by Wednesday. Timing is crucial as the team faces Valdepeñas on Tuesday, with just ten matches remaining to avoid relegation. The club is specifically seeking a coach with First Division experience and a proven track record in handling relegation battles, though such candidates are currently scarce.
Meanwhile, Noia Portus Apostoli has climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time in 13 rounds. Their victory over Tudelano marked their first clean sheet of the season, extending their unbeaten run to five games (two wins, three draws). Along with league leaders Movistar Inter, they remain undefeated in 2025. The team now sits two points clear of both Tudelano and Wanapix Sala Zaragoza.
“We’re rediscovering our identity, and the results are following,” said Noia’s coach David Palmas, whose team will host Servigroup Peñíscola in their next match.