Patxi Salinas


Francisco 'Patxi' Salinas Fernández is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a central defender, and is the manager of CD Basconia.
He amassed La Liga totals of 432 games and 11 goals over 16 seasons, with Athletic Bilbao and Celta, winning two national championships with the former club. Subsequently, he worked as a manager.

Playing career

Club

Born in Bilbao, Salinas emerged through Athletic Bilbao's youth ranks, and made his league debut on 10 November 1982, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 away win against UD Salamanca. He appeared in 14 La Liga matches in the 1983–84 season as the team managed to conquer the double. In the following campaign he became a regular fixture with the Basques alongside another Lezama graduate, Genar Andrinúa.
In summer 1992, Salinas moved to RC Celta de Vigo, where he proceeded to post equally impressive numbers during his six-season spell – always in the top level – retiring from the game at almost 35.

International

During a one-month span, Salinas earned two caps for Spain, both in friendlies. His debut was on 14 September 1988 in a 1–2 loss with Yugoslavia, in Oviedo.

Coaching career

After retiring as a player, Salinas had brief stints at coaching Celta's youth teams and UDA Gramenet, and directing Rápido de Bouzas. As a manager, in quick succession, he also worked with Athletic Bilbao's youth teams, CD Ourense, Melita FC and UE Sant Andreu.
In June 2017, Salinas achieved promotion to Segunda División B with Rápido Bouzas. One month later, after announcing weeks before he would leave the Galician team, he agreed terms with Burgos CF. He was sacked on 5 February 2018, leaving the team in ninth position and having conceded the fewest goals in the division.
On 22 May 2018, Salinas was appointed manager of CD Badajoz. In June of the following year, he signed in the same capacity wity CD Basconia, Athletic Bilbao's farm team.

Personal life

Salinas' older brother, Julio, was also a professional footballer, and played most notably for Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona. Both made their top level debuts in the 1982–83 season.

Managerial statistics

Honours

Athletic Bilbao
Celta