A Spanish regional football coach unleashed a scathing critique of the sport’s meritocracy and opportunities, claiming networking at a brothel was more effective than on-field performance for career advancement, following his team’s Copa del Rey defeat.
Javi Prendes, coach of Puerto de Vega, made the explosive remarks to reporters after his side’s 2-0 loss to LaLiga club Celta de Vigo. His comments quickly went viral across Spanish media.
“If I don’t go to a brothel at 1 AM I don’t sign contracts. There, yes, I have an opportunity,” Prendes stated, lamenting the lack of chances for talented coaches from smaller clubs. He then directly challenged journalists, saying, “See if you have the guts to publish this.”
Prendes further criticized what he called systemic favoritism in Spanish football. He argued that advancement often depended on personal connections rather than merit.
“In this damned country, those who know the president coach. No one is promoted by their own merit!” he declared. He described himself and others in his position as “proletariat, workers.”
The coach expressed his frustration despite his team’s respectable performance. Puerto de Vega, a first-division regional team from Spain’s Asturias region, held the top-flight Celta de Vigo to a 0-0 draw at halftime before conceding two goals in the second half.
Prendes did, however, offer praise for Celta’s coach, Claudio Giraldez, noting that Giraldez “comes from below” and previously coached in youth leagues. His remarks were quoted by Spanish sports newspaper Marca.