Ángel Merino


Ángel Miguel Merino Torres is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central midfielder, and is a manager.
He amassed La Liga totals of 293 games and 26 goals over nine seasons, with Osasuna and Celta. He added 158 matches and 16 goals in Segunda División, in representation of three clubs.
Merino started working as a manager in 2004, spending several years at Osasuna in various capacities.

Playing career

Born in Madrid, Merino started playing football with local club CD Leganés, with whom he appeared in two Segunda División B seasons. In 1988, he moved straight into La Liga after signing with CA Osasuna, making his debut in the competition on 4 September in an away match against Real Madrid and scoring the last goal in a 2–2 draw.
In 1992–93, Merino scored a career-best six goals, helping the Navarrese finish in tenth position. After the team's relegation the following campaign, he joined RC Celta de Vigo also in the top flight, being first-choice during his three-year tenure.
From 1997 to 2002, Merino competed in Segunda División, netting a combined 16 goals for UD Las Palmas, Leganés and Burgos CF and suffering administrative relegation with the latter team. He retired at the age of 36, after one season in the third level with AD Ceuta.

Coaching career

One year after retiring, Merino returned to Osasuna and started working with its youth sides. In March 2008 he was appointed at the reserves who competed in division three, his first game in charge being a 1–0 away win over CF Palencia late into the month.
After being relegated from the third tier in 2013, Merino cut ties with the club and joined neighbouring Peña Sport FC, in the same capacity. After meeting the same fate, he was relieved of his duties.

Personal life

Merino's son, Mikel, is also a footballer and also plays as a midfielder. He too used to play for Osasuna.