Eder Sarabia's Redemption Arc: From Barcelona Sidelines to Elche Success

The Underdog's Return

Two years after their relegation, Elche CF stormed back to Spain's top division with a dominant 4-0 victory against Deportivo in June. Now, against preseason predictions labeling them relegation favorites, the Valencian club sits eighth in La Liga under the guidance of 43-year-old coach Eder Sarabia.

A Homecoming With Edge

This weekend's match at Barcelona holds special significance for Sarabia, marking his first return to Camp Nou since his controversial seven-month tenure as Quique Setien's assistant in 2020. The Bilbao-born tactician recently shared his journey with BBC Sport - from unremarkable playing days to supermarket jobs, and ultimately to La Liga redemption.

Footballing Heritage Reinvented

While Sarabia never matched the on-pitch achievements of his father Manu - an Athletic Club legend who won consecutive league titles - he carved his own path through coaching. "I thought I'd be a player, but life had other plans," Sarabia reflects. "Coaching fulfilled me immediately, though my parents worried about my transition."

His early career saw him stacking shelves and managing produce sections in Bilbao supermarkets before football called again. "Those experiences taught me the value of hard work," the Elche manager notes.

Mentorship and Metamorphosis

Sarabia's coaching breakthrough came through a decades-long connection with Setien, his father's former teammate at Logrones. After youth coaching stints at Villarreal and Danok Bat, Setien brought him to Las Palmas, Betis, and ultimately Barcelona as his trusted assistant.

Though his Camp Nou stay ended abruptly amid reported tensions with Lionel Messi and the squad, Sarabia speaks fondly of the experience: "Working with Leo was an education - he's not just the greatest player, but the most football-intelligent person I've met."

Building Beyond Predictions

After three seasons with FC Andorra, Sarabia took charge of Elche in Spain's second tier last year. His immediate promotion success earned a contract extension through 2027. Now, with 10 games yielding three wins and five draws, the former Barcelona aide is silencing doubters.

"I want to leave a legacy here," Sarabia declares as he prepares for his emotional Camp Nou return. For a man once criticized in Catalonia, Sunday's match offers a chance to showcase how far he - and his unlikely Elche squad - have come.