Imanol Idiakez

Joseba Imanol Idiakez Barkaiztegi (born 14 March 1972) is a Spanish former footballer who played as a midfielder, currently manager of Segunda División club Deportivo de La Coruña.

Playing career
Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Idiakez finished his development with Real Sociedad, making his senior debut with the reserves and also playing alongside his younger brother Iñigo. After leaving Sanse, he joined neighbouring Beasain.

Idiakez resumed his career mainly in the Segunda División B, representing Real Avilés, Burgos (two stints), Ciudad de Murcia – spending half a season in the Segunda División – Linares, Girona and Reus, before retiring in 2007 at the age of 35 due to a serious injury.

On 10 October 2001, while Ciudad were in the third division, they faced La Liga club Sevilla in the first round of the Copa del Rey. Idiakez scored twice in the 2–1 victory, once in his own net.

Coaching career
Idiakez returned to Real Sociedad B after retiring, being appointed manager in the summer of 2008, relegated from the third division in his first season but winning promotion in the second. In March 2011, he signed with Polideportivo Ejido, being in charge for eight matches and eventually leading the team to safety.

In June 2011, Idiakez joined Guijuelo, moving the following campaign to Real Unión and Toledo on 3 July 2013, always in the third tier. After taking Lleida Esportiu to the promotion play-offs in the same level in 2016, he moved abroad for the first time in his entire career, signing for two years at AEK Larnaca in the Cypriot First Division.

Back to Spain, Idiakez was appointed manager of second division club Real Zaragoza on 18 June 2018, but was sacked on 21 October. Shortly after, he replaced compatriot Andoni Iraola at the helm of his former side AEK.

Idiakez joined Villarreal's staff under Unai Emery in July 2020. He returned to head coaching duties on 6 June 2022, taking over from Mehdi Nafti at second-tier Leganés and being dismissed in April 2023.

On 1 July 2023, Idiakez signed for Primera Federación's Deportivo de La Coruña. He achieved promotion in his debut campaign, on a return to the professional leagues four years later.

Manager
AEK Larnaca
 * Cypriot Cup: 2017–18