Nacho Fernandez is a Spanish coach with extensive experience who currently serves as assistant coach at Chongqing Tonglianglong. Born in Gijón, he has spent most of his professional career away from Asturias. He has coached, as first or second coach, clubs such as Pájara Playas, Mazarrón, Alavés, Getafe, Atlético or Burgos, where he also served as sporting director until taking the step to the bench, achieving salvation. In his career he has been an analyst, scouting and assistant coach to professionals such as Anquela or Marcelino García Toral before becoming José Bordalás’ assistant. Alongside him, he has coached Getafe, in two stages, Alavés, with whom he was promoted, and Valencia until 2022, which is when he accepted the offer from FC Ryukyu.
It was quite a challenge, as he joined the team when it was at the bottom of the second division of Japanese football. With the Asturian at the helm, FC Ryukyu achieved mid-table results and came very close to avoiding relegation.
Nacho Fernández was given an idol’s send-off by the fans (signing autographs for 90 minutes) and received applause from all the staff despite being unable to prevent the team’s relegation. ‘I like challenges. Football is so great because of things like Japan. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.’
In 2023, he was asked by Bordalás to return to Getafe as assistant coach. Once again, he achieved good results, securing the team’s place in La Liga. In August 2024, he decided not to continue with the club. His farewell letter received a great deal of gratitude.
At the end of 2024 he signs as assistant coach for the ‘Real Federación Española de Fútbol’. Nacho becomes Montse Tomé’s second coach of the Women’s national football team, current world champion. He’s an active part in training sessions and work plans for the Nations League and the 2025 Women’s Eurocup.
In September, her time with the national team came to an end, with a record of 13 wins, three draws, and only one loss in 17 matches. It was an enriching experience, despite narrowly missing out on the Women’s European Championship title on penalties.
After a successful stint in women’s soccer, Nacho Fernández returned to the men’s game in 2026 to embark on a beautiful adventure in China. The Asturian midfielder joined the coaching staff of Chongqing Tonglianglong as assistant coach. Chongqing Tonglianglong is a newly promoted club to the Chinese Super League and has become the great revelation of the season by settling at the top of the standings with 17 points out of a possible 21 in these first rounds.
In a coaching staff where all his colleagues are locals, Nacho Fernández has adapted perfectly to the way of working and has managed to include more European methods and a competitive gene that is leading the club to achieve some of the best results in its history.
Career as a coach
- 2007-08. Mazarrón CF – Coach
- 2008-09. UD Pájara Playas – Coach
- 2011. Academia Puerto Cabello – Coach
- 2011-15. AD Alcorcón – Coach assistant
- 2015-16. Alavés – Coach assistant
- 2017-18. Burgos CF – Sport manager and coach
- 2018-19. Getafe – Coach assistant
- 2020-21. Atlético B – Coach
- 2021-22. Valencia CF – Coach assistant
- 2022: FC Ryukyu – Coach assistant
- 2023-24: Getafe – Coach assistant
- 2024-25. Spanish Women’s National Team – Assistant Coach
- 2026-Current situation. Chongqing Tonglianglong – Assistan Coach