The appointment of Jokin Aranbarri as the head of Eibar symbolizes the club's commitment to an internal growth model and a philosophy that increasingly values the development of its own talent.
Aranbarri is not a stranger at Ipurua. His career has been closely linked with Eibar for a decade. He joined the youth football structure in 2016 and has since progressed through every level of the sporting organization. He managed cadet teams, moved to the Honor Division Juvenil, and subsequently took charge of CD Vitoria, the blue-and-red reserve team.
It was precisely at the helm of the second team that he solidified his coaching career. Over three seasons, he built a competitive group that culminated its growth with promotion to Segunda RFEF in the 2023/24 campaign. That success opened the doors to Bilbao Athletic, where he has spent the last two seasons in the Primera Federación, an experience that has allowed him to continue gaining valuable experience.
One of his key attributed strengths is his ability to develop players. Numerous players who passed through his teams have gone on to play professional football, both at Eibar itself and at other Second Division clubs. This development work aligns perfectly with the club's vision for consolidation in the coming years.
It is no coincidence that the sporting directorate has opted for a profile like his. The growth of youth football and the definitive launch of the Ciudad Deportiva de Areitio will make the academy an even more significant asset for the club's future. In this context, having a coach who understands the club's methodology, the pathways of many young players, and the demands of professional football represents a significant advantage.
The choice also sends a clear message. Eibar wants a real pathway between the academy and the first team, not just for players, but also for coaches. Aranbarri becomes the prime example of this philosophy. After years of discreet and consistent work, he has found the opportunity to manage the first team without having skipped crucial developmental stages.
During the selection process, other names linked to the club emerged. Ultimately, the entity settled on Aranbarri, convinced that he embodies the balance between experience, insider knowledge, and the ability to lead a locker room that achieved a historic second half of the season last year.
Now begins the most important challenge of his career. With a squad that retains much of last season's core and a project aiming to compete at the top again, Aranbarri will be responsible for continuing the team's growth without abandoning one of the principles he masters best: progressing players. That, precisely, has been the hallmark of much of his career and the reason why Eibar has placed its trust in him to open a new chapter at Ipurua.
