Managers Who Have Led Both Barcelona and Emelec
Table of Contents
- Managers Who Have Led Both Barcelona and Emelec
- Gregorio Esperón
- Ramón Unamuno
- Eduardo Sprande
- Jorge Lazo
- Aníbal Gutiérrez
- Salvador Capitano
- Dusan Draskovic
- Jorge Habegger
- Carlos Sevilla
- Jorge Célico
- Ismael Rescalvo
- Understanding Football Management in Ecuador
- Key Numbers in Ecuadorian Football Management
- frequently Asked Questions
- About the Author
By Amelia Rodriguez | GUAYAQUIL – 2025/06/21 16:24:05
Following the formalization of Ismael Rescalvo by Barcelona, a look back at the coaches who have managed both of the Astillero clubs.
Gregorio Esperón
The coach directed Barcelona in 1950 and 1961, and Emelec from 1951 to 1953. A key moment for Esperón was winning the Guayas amateur championship with the “yellow cast.”
Ramón Unamuno
Born in guayaquil, he was with ‘Bombillo’ in 1946, conquering the Guayas Amateur Championship. He arrived at Barcelona in 1961, without replicating earlier successes.
Eduardo Sprande
The Italian first coached Barcelona in 1955, without major highlights, and then directed Emelec from 1957 to 1960, becoming the first coach of Ecuadorian football in 1957.
Jorge Lazo
He coached Barcelona in 1968, without important impact.With their rivals, he became champion of the 1972 local championship and the youngest coach to win an Ecuadorian tournament.
In 1972, Jorge Lazo became the youngest DT to win an Ecuadorian tournament.
Aníbal Gutiérrez
In 1977, he directed barcelona, and in 1986, he arrived at Emelec. The Uruguayan achieved little of note with either club in Guayaquil.
Salvador Capitano
A notable figure for both teams, he coached Emelec from 1992 to 1994, winning the 1993 National Championship. From 1995 to 1996, he directed Barcelona, securing the 1995 championship.
Capital had subsequent cycles with both clubs, in 2002 with Barcelona and 2003 with Emelec, but could not repeat his initial successes.
Dusan Draskovic
After coaching the ecuadorian National Team, the coach born in Bania Luka directed Barcelona in 1995 and Emelec in 2004, both brief and unremarkable tenures.
Jorge Habegger
The Buenos Aires native had three stints with Barcelona (1991-1992, 1994, and 1998-1999), winning the 1991 national title. With Emelec (2005 and 2006), he achieved the national Vice-Championship of 2006.
Carlos Sevilla
The Ecuadorian had three cycles with Emelec (1997-1998, 2001-2002, and 2007), winning the 2001 local tournament.He coached Barcelona in 2005, without significant impact.
Jorge Célico
he directed Barcelona in the first half of 2022, winning the first stage of LigaPro and qualifying for the Conmebol Libertadores 2023. However, a poor start in the second phase led to his departure. He is currently in charge of Emelec.
Ismael Rescalvo
Between 2019 and 2022,he directed Emelec,with his best season in 2021,achieving the LigaPro runner-up position. In the second semester of 2025, he faces a new challenge with Barcelona.
frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why do managers often switch between Barcelona and Emelec?
- A: Both clubs are based in Guayaquil and represent the two biggest teams in Ecuador. Managers with experience in the local league are frequently enough considered for both positions.
- Q: What makes managing Barcelona and Emelec so challenging?
- A: The intense rivalry between the clubs, known as “El Clásico del Astillero,” creates immense pressure on managers to deliver victories and championships.
- Q: How has the role of a football manager evolved in Ecuador?
- A: The role has become more complex, requiring not only tactical expertise but also strong leadership and interaction skills to manage players, staff, and media relations.
