A solid defender in his playing career, Paco Jemez has shown the same mentality as a manager. If we talk about Paco Jemez tactics, the Spaniard loves to play with a crowded midfield, which often helps him take control of the game early. The 55-year-old has now become a new first-team coach at West Ham United and someone to work alongside manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is among the managers likely to be sacked in 2026, to try and help the Hammers avoid relegation at the end of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Paco Jemez Bio
Born in Las Palmas (Spain) on 18 April 1970, Paco Jemez developed a passion for football at a young age and began his playing career with the Spanish side Cordoba. He also had eventful stints at Spanish football clubs like Deportivo La Coruna and Real Zaragoza, winning the Copa del Rey. Meanwhile, the Spanish defender made 21 appearances for his nation.
Over his 18-year-old long coaching career, which began in 2007, Jemez has spent the majority of his time in Spain, where he managed clubs like Las Palmas, Cordoba, and Rayo Vallecano. However, his most prominent stint was with Rayo Vallecano, where he coached for a combined six seasons from 2012 to 2020. The Spanish football manager, Paco, is known for his tactical awareness in helping relegation-bound teams, having helped second-division sides Las Palmas and Ibiza avoid relegation in his stints with them.
By looking at the Paco Jemez tactics, we'll be able to get a better understanding of how the Spanish manager likes his side to shape up. His tactics have evolved over the years, and he's proven himself as a manager who is determined to get results rather than someone content with playing elegant football filled with link-up play for goals.
Jemez loves his teams to be sharp and aggressive, causing trouble for their opponents. A key attribute of the Paco Jemez tactics is to urge his players to apply a high press on the opposition players inside their own half, to win the ball back in dangerous areas and torment the opposition players with swift counterattacks.
The Spaniard also relies on fast and clinical wingers to make quick runs down the wide areas to help set up chances in the box. The former Rayo Vallecano manager is a big fan of quick counter-attacks, trying to make his team less predictable and difficult to keep quiet in the transitions.
Paco Jemez Tactics Comparison & Evolution
Paco Jemez style of play has largely remained consistent since he moved into coaching. His style of play favors direct high-tempo football centered around aggressive players, excels in the high-pressing style, and is prolific in the transitions.
Talking about his Paco Jemez formation, the Spaniard has implemented and tested different formations in his coaching career, as he often applied a 4-4-2 formation in his early days as a coach at Las Palmas and Cordoba. However, in the last few years, especially at Rayo Vallecano, the Paco Jemez formations have switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, as it provides balance that brings in the modern football game.
Paco Jemez tactics don't put much responsibility on individuals on the pitch. Instead, he demands that his team press the opposition as a unit. He particularly encourages his wingers to stretch the defensive line, creating spaces for strikers and midfielders to capitalize on.
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Paco Jemez Trophies and Achievements As Manager
Cartagena to the Segunda Division B title has the only notable Paco Jemez achievement in his coaching career so far. This achievement came in the third division of the Spanish football pyramid. Under him, Rayo Vallecano finished in eighth place during the 2012/13 La Liga campaign. Their best ever finish in the Spanish top division La Liga. However, his most recent stint was with UD Ibiza, where he won 17 out of their 35 matches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paco Jemez join West Ham United?
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Paco Jemez took up a first-team coach role at West Ham United in January, 2026.
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