Osasuna's favorite to replace Alessio Lisci

Osasuna has ended a much more distressing season than expected. The red team, which just a few weeks ago seemed far from any serious problem, ended up securing themselves on the last matchday and avoiding a relegation that would have been a severe blow for the club and for fans used to competing with more stability.

The immediate consequence has been the departure of Alessio Lisci. The Italian coach failed to give a recognizable identity to the team, accumulated too many doubts in the crucial stretch, and his time at El Sadar has logically come to an end. Now, the name gaining strength to lead the new project is Imanol Alguacil.

The inevitable end of Lisci

Alessio Lisci's arrival failed to generate the impetus Osasuna needed. The Italian coach landed with the mission of sustaining the team, providing competitive continuity, and preventing the season from becoming more complicated than necessary, but the course of the season extinguished any argument in favor of his continuity.

Osasuna ended up suffering until the last day. The survival came with more relief than joy, after a worrying final dynamic and a widespread feeling that the team had run out of answers. In a club like the one from Navarre, accustomed to competing with intensity, organization, and connection with its people, that lack of energy was particularly serious.

Lisci never quite found the key. He tried structures, names, and solutions, but the team failed to have a clear path. There were reactive phases, but always too short-lived. When the crucial stretch arrived, Osasuna transmitted fragility, doubts, and a worrying lack of assertiveness.

The decision to dispense with the coach was, therefore, consistent. The minimum objective was achieved, but the manner weighed too heavily. Avoiding relegation could not hide a disappointing season, nor the need to open a new cycle before the wear and tear became greater.

Imanol Alguacil, an exciting name

Strongly emerging in this search is Imanol Alguacil. The coach from Orio is currently without a team, and his name fits perfectly with what Osasuna needs: character, work ethic, identity, and the ability to build a recognizable project.

Imanol made history at Real Sociedad. During his time at Anoeta, he consolidated the team in the upper echelons of LaLiga, regularly led them to European competitions, and won a Copa del Rey that will remain forever in the club's memory.

Beyond the titles, his great merit was giving Real Sociedad a very clear playing style. Intense, brave teams, with high pressure, good ball treatment, and a strong commitment to homegrown players. That model left a mark and raised the competitive level of the organization for several seasons.

Osasuna is not Real Sociedad, but shares certain values that can facilitate integration. El Sadar demands commitment, energy, and a sense of belonging. Imanol understands that emotional football, but also has tactical resources to develop a squad.

His arrival would signify a show of authority. It would not be a minor bet or an emergency solution, but the hiring of a prestigious coach in LaLiga, with enough experience to rebuild a project on solid foundations.

A new cycle to recover the rojilla identity

Osasuna's great challenge is to reclaim its essence. The season has issued a clear warning: relying on past inertia is not enough. The squad needs adjustments, the bench needs leadership, and the club must see itself reflected on the field once again.

Imanol could provide precisely that. He is a demanding coach, focused on daily training, who does not compromise on intensity and usually builds competitive teams through collective discipline. For a club like Osasuna, this starting point is crucial.

Furthermore, his experience in managing youth players and young talents can be very valuable. Tajonar remains an essential part of the rojilla identity, and the new coach must be able to integrate native talent without compromising the demands of the top division.

The operation, however, will not be simple. Imanol may have other suitors and will seek sporting guarantees before accepting. He does not need to return at any cost but to a project that allows him to work with margin and ambition.

Osasuna, on its part, must act swiftly. Following Lisci's departure, the club cannot afford a summer of uncertainties. The bench needs an owner as soon as possible, and the figure of Imanol Alguacil seems to be gaining strength as the ideal profile to restore the lost competitiveness to the Navarrese team.