Ibai Gómez leaves FC Andorra after breakdown with part of squad

The deterioration of the relationship between Ibai Gómez and part of the squad led the Basque coach to offer his resignation and ultimately leave the FC Andorra bench by mutual agreement. The decision was not taken on impulse, but the team's performance on Saturday against Castelló was the final straw.

Beyond extending a run to eight matches without a win, the poor image on the pitch — at times with some players appearing to walk while the Valencian side pressed for more goals — indicated deeper problems. Signs had already appeared in Albacete, but Saturday’s display suggested the team had lost the spark and collective spirit that had defined it previously. In the postmatch press conference, the coach’s remark that “there are aspects beyond my control” underlined that something had broken down.

Although in a press briefing last Saturday Ibai had insisted there was no rift with the dressing room and claimed to have the full support of both players and the club, the relationship had apparently eroded over the weeks since preseason began in mid‑July. Sources consulted say the issues were largely emotional rather than strictly tactical, and that the locker room was not always managed effectively at certain moments.

Footballing decisions also played a part: some tactical choices were hard to understand, including players deployed out of position and surprising lineup changes. The recent omission of Yaako from goal — despite evidence from sources that he was the best of the club’s three keepers — and alterations to the defensive line contributed to a loss of credibility around the coach.

These combined emotional and sporting factors culminated in the coach’s departure by mutual agreement with the club.