Valencia have moved swiftly to fill the coaching vacancy left by Pedro Martinez’s departure to Real Madrid, officially appointing internal talent Xavi Albert as their new head coach.
The 38-year-old tactician has signed a two-year deal, stepping up from his assistant role to stabilize the project ahead of a crucial roster rebuild.
“With this appointment, Valencia demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a clear identity and a well-defined style of play by giving the senior assistant coach of recent seasons another opportunity”, the club stated in an official announcement.
For Xavi Albert, this will not be the first time taking over the head coaching position at Valencia. He previously had to do so during the final 11 games of the 2023/24 season – securing the top spot in the Liga Endesa standings after succeeding Alex Mumbru – before returning to the assistant role under Martinez. He also debuted in EuroLeague against Partizan.
Una aposta per mantindre la identitat. Amb tot, Xavi! 🧡
— Valencia Basket Club (@valenciabasket) July 7, 2026
Cas 👉 Xavi Albert asume el reto de ser el entrenador jefe de Valencia Baskethttps://t.co/XgGfucnAyo
Val 👉 Xavi Albert assumeix el repte de ser l'entrenador cap de Valencia Baskethttps://t.co/thgzfypZcc
Eng 👉 Xavi… pic.twitter.com/wl8D2kOQH0
“The club remains true to its philosophy of developing talent from L’Alqueria del Basket when ready, completing the cycle for a coach who has grown and excelled in our youth ranks and with the Spanish national team, culminating in his appointment as head coach of the men’s first team,” the club continued.
Throughout his career, he was part of the coaching staff for the Spanish national youth teams, and in 2023, he won the European Under-16 Championship as the Spanish national team coach.
Last two seasons, as part of Martinez’s staff, he has been able to continue developing the style of basketball he has always tried to implement with all his teams. Now, he faces a new challenge and the opportunity to continue that style by taking the helm of the Valencia project.
More movement in Valencia is expected in the weeks as club continues to reshape their roster ahead of the new season, with full updates available in the EuroLeague Transactions.
