Real Betis Balompié is set for a significant reorganization of its medical and physical performance staff ahead of the 2026-27 season. Dr. José Manuel Álvarez, the club’s head of medical services, and Eneko Angulo, the lead physical re-educator, have both confirmed their departures from the Seville-based organization.
Why is the Real Betis medical staff changing?
The departures are driven by personal decisions rather than professional conflict. Dr. José Manuel Álvarez, who has served as the head of medical services since 2018, announced his exit in an official statement, citing a desire to return to Valencia to be closer to his family.
"It is a personal decision and not a professional one," Álvarez stated in his farewell letter, noting that his choice was made several months ago. His tenure at the club spanned two separate periods, totaling 12 years of service. The club has publicly acknowledged his contribution, thanking him for his dedication throughout his time at the Benito Villamarín.
What is the status of the physical performance department?
Eneko Angulo, who took over as the head of physical re-adaptation for injured players in 2024, is also leaving the club. While the club has not issued a formal destination for Angulo, reports from Spanish media outlets, including Mundo Deportivo, indicate he is pursuing an international career move.
Angulo’s role was essential in managing the recovery protocols for players sidelined by injury or those requiring specialized fitness plans. His departure, alongside the head of medical services, leaves two critical vacancies in the club’s support structure as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Context of the transition
The changes follow a period of stability within the Betis medical department. Dr. Álvarez, a specialist in Physical Education and Sports Medicine, previously worked with the youth academy at Real Betis between 2011 and 2014 before moving to Levante UD. His return to the club in 2018 provided continuity to the senior squad’s medical protocols.
The simultaneous exit of both the chief medical officer and the lead re-educator represents a substantial shift for the club’s sports science department. Such transitions are common in professional football, where staff movement often mirrors the competitive cycles of the league. The club is now tasked with identifying successors who can maintain the standards required for the rigorous demands of La Liga and European competition.
Key Personnel Changes
| Position | Outgoing Staff | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Head of Medical Services | Dr. José Manuel Álvarez | Confirmed Departure |
| Lead Physical Re-educator | Eneko Angulo | Confirmed Departure |
The club has yet to announce interim appointments or long-term replacements for these positions. Fans and stakeholders will be watching to see how the club’s leadership restructures these departments to ensure player health and recovery remain prioritized heading into the 2026-27 season.
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