Javier Olaizola


Javier Olaizola Rodríguez is a Spanish retired footballer who played mostly as a right back, and the current manager of Arenas Club de Getxo.
Most of his 13-year professional career was spent with Mallorca, with which he appeared in 330 competitive matches and won two major titles.

Playing career

Born in San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Olaizola's first professional club was SD Eibar in his native Basque Country, in the second division. Subsequently, he played two seasons with Real Burgos CF, going on to suffer two consecutive drops and returning for a second spell with his previous team afterwards.
In 1995, Olaizola signed with RCD Mallorca, immediately becoming an undisputed starter as well as team captain and helping the Balearic Islands side to the 1998 Spanish Supercup against La Liga giants FC Barcelona, as well as a second place in the following year's UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. His first and only goal in the top flight – and overall – came on 17 December 2000, as he scored a last-minute equaliser at RC Celta de Vigo.

Coaching career

Olaizola played only 27 matches in his last two years combined, due to several injuries and age, and retired at almost 35. He then had brief spells as manager, with Mallorca's youth teams and Antiguoko.
On 6 December 2016, after Fernando Vázquez's dismissal, Olaizola – who was in charge of the reserves – was appointed manager of Mallorca, who now competed in the second level. He was himself sacked the following 4 April, after his side was seriously threatened with relegation.
Olaizola returned to reserve management on 6 March 2018, taking over Atlético Levante UD of the Tercera División. Four months later, having won their group and then promotion on penalties against UD Ibiza in the play-off final, he left.
In June 2019, Olaizola took over at third-tier Arenas Club de Getxo in his native region.

Personal life

Olaizola's older brother, Julio, was also a footballer and a defender. He played in ten top-flight seasons with Real Sociedad.

Managerial statistics

Honours

Mallorca