Brought up by Barcelona, he worked at Real Madrid and has now been appointed as Vlad Dragomir's new coach
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Saturday, January 10, 2026, 10:33 / Updated Saturday, January 10, 2026 10:34
Romanian international Vlad Dragomir (26 years old) has a new coach in Pafos, in Cyprus. The Spaniard Albert Celades (50 years old) was appointed to the position, after the departure of his countrymanJuan Carlos Carcedo (52 years old), since the end of last week.
A week ago, totally surprisingly, the coach who took Pafos to the Champions League announced that he was leaving the team. He took the decision immediately after the failure in the championship, against Apollon Limassol, score 1-2.
The Cypriot officials quickly looked for alternatives and in the last few days it was even rumored that the Lusitanian technician of the University of Craiova, Filipe Coelho (45 years old), would be on their list. In the end, the chosen one was Albert Celadesa man who was on Real Madrid's staff a few years ago and who, among other things, trained Spain's youth national team.
His last experience as a technician was five and a half years ago, in Valencia, from where he left in June 2020.
Albert Celades is the new coach of Vlad Dragomir in Cyprus
“Pafos is pleased to announce the appointment of Albert Celades López as the club's new head coach. Albert has signed a contract until 2027 with an option to extend.
Albert Celades joins the Pafos club with an exceptional footballing record, formed at the highest level of the game, both as an elite, trophy-winning player and an experienced international coach.
Albert Celades // photo: Facebook
A product of Barcelona's legendary La Masia academy, Celades is part of a very select group of players who have played for both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, playing an important role at both clubs.
During a remarkable 15-year professional career, mainly as a defensive midfielder, he won multiple La Liga and Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona, later adding further trophies with Real Madrid, including La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles.
His career at club level also included spells at RC Celta de Vigo, Girondins de Bordeaux, Real Zaragoza and the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer. In total, he made more than 280 appearances at senior level and won ten major trophies, consistently performing in elite, highly competitive environments.
At international level, Celades represented Spain at all age groups and for the senior national team, earning caps and participating in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. After his playing career ended, Celades moved into coaching and built a solid reputation within the Spain national team structure.
He has worked extensively with Spain's national youth teams, including as coach of the Spain Under-21 team, achieving notable success in European competitions and contributing to the development of future internationals. He was also assistant coach of the Spanish senior national team and on the technical staff of Real Madrid before becoming head coach of Valencia CF in La Liga, where he demonstrated his tactical acumen and leadership skills at the highest domestic level.
Pafos FC firmly believes that Albert Celades' winning mentality, international experience and clear vision of football recommend him as the ideal leader for the next stage of the club's development. Welcome to Pafos FC, Albert. We look forward to an exciting journey together”, Pafos officials said in a press release.
2it is the place from which Albert Celades takes over Pafos, in the championship
He will debut on the Cypriot bench on Monday, January 12, from 17:00, in the championship, with Omonia Aradippou, the 10th place in the domestic competition.
