Gregorio Manzano

Gregorio Manzano Ballesteros, called Goyo (Professor) is a Spanish football manager. He was born on March 11, 1956 in Bailén, Spain.

The first club Gregorio Manzano coached at the age of 27 was called Santisteban CF. Later the manager worked with a number of smaller clubs playing in lower Spanish divisions, such as Villacarrillo, Iliturgi CD, Villanueva CD, Úbeda FC, Jaén and Martos CD. In 1996 Gregorio Manzano took the charge of Talavera CF, playing in Segunda División B. Thanks to his efforts the side finished second in the season and the manager drew the attention of other stronger clubs.

So, in 1998 Gregorio Manzano started his work at Toledo CD and a year later moved to Real Valladolid, playing in La Liga. His side finished in the 8th place in the La Liga table and won the unforgettable victory over Real Madrid.

In 2000 the manager took the charge of Racing Santander, but unfortunately his team was demoted at the end of the season. In 2001/2002 season the coach worked with Rayo Vallecano and helped it take the 11th place. From 2002 till 2003 Gregorio Manzano coached Mallorca RCD and celebrated the victory in the Copa del Rey (His Majesty the King’s Football Cup) and a 5-1 victory over Real Madrid.

In 2003/2004 season the manager coached Atlético Madrid, took the 7th place in La Liga and the right to play in the UEFA Cup. In 2004 he moved to Málaga CF and in 2006 returned to Mallorca RCD. This time he stayed with the team for 4 years.

In September 2010 the coach took the charge of Sevilla FC, then was offered to return to Atlético Madrid. Although the side showed very good performance in the UEFA Europa League, the bosses of the Mattress Makers were not satisfied with the results in the home championship and in December 2011 the coach was fired.

In February 2013 Gregorio Manzano started to work with struggling Mallorca RCD again but failed in keeping the club up and was released soon after the end of the season.

In 2014 Manzano moved to China to take charge of Beijing Guoan.