Following a career that includes experiences in the German Bundesliga and two seasons in Burgos, Roi Sánchez took over the management of Horneo Alicante at a critical juncture. The team was in the last position of the Asobal table, facing imminent relegation pressure. His arrival has marked a turning point for the Alicante club, which is now looking towards the middle of the standings.
Sánchez, who began his coaching career at eighteen, values his time in Germany for its professionalism and resources, but also fondly remembers his stint in Burgos, where he was close to achieving promotion to the Asobal. These experiences have shaped a coach capable of adapting to different contexts and challenges.
“"Everything has gone better than expected, I would say. We have played very good matches, and except against Barcelona, naturally, and Ciudad Real where we were poor, in all other matches we lost by one goal. We have won against direct rivals and we have to be happy."
Upon arriving in Alicante, Sánchez found a squad affected by the coaching change and a club with some managerial instability. However, he has managed to restore harmony and direction, facilitating team integration. With only two points when he arrived, Horneo Alicante has now accumulated nineteen points and is in tenth position, with a six-point lead over the relegation spots with seven games remaining.
The coach from Vigo sees Alicante as a place with great potential to establish a long-term project. He highlights the city's handball tradition and the growing support from fans. If the team secures permanence, Sánchez has two more years on his contract, which would allow him to consolidate the project and, perhaps, fulfill his dream of coaching at home in the future.
