Manolo Zambrano
Manuel 'Manolo' Zambrano Díaz is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a midfielder, and a manager.Playing career
Born in Huelva, Andalusia, Zambrano finished his formation at Recreativo de Huelva, and made his first-team – and La Liga – debut on 3 September 1978 at the age of only 18, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 3–0 home win against Real Zaragoza. On 18 May 1980 he scored his first professional goal, netting the last in a 3–1 success at Getafe Deportivo for the Segunda División championship.
In the summer of 1984, Zambrano signed for neighbouring CD Málaga in the top division, and scored his first goal in the competition on 30 March of the following year, the first in a 1–1 home draw against RCD Español. His team was eventually relegated at the end of the season, and he moved to fellow league club Sevilla FC shortly after.
After two seasons appearing regularly with the Rojiblancos, Zambrano joined RC Celta de Vigo in 1987. He retired with Real Murcia in 1992 at the age of 31, mainly due to hernia injuries.Zambrano started working as a coach with amateurs Olont CF, and also had lower league spells at Ayamonte CF, CD San Fernando and AD Cartaya. In 2007, he returned to his first club Recreativo, being appointed manager of the reserves.
On 4 February 2008, Zambrano replaced fired Víctor Muñoz at the helm of the main squad. After narrowly avoiding top flight relegation he renewed his contract with Recre on 23 May, but was sacked on 7 October.
On 6 October 2016, Zambrano was elected Recreativo's new president.Personal life
Zambrano's brother and son, respectively Antonio and Alejandro, were also footballers. They too represented Recreativo professionally.Managerial statistics
