Javier Lazaro Spanish footballer and coach. Date of Birth: 12.03.1950 Country: Spain

1. Early Life and Career as a Player
2. Transition to Coaching
3. Success with Athletic Bilbao
4. Coaching Career in Spain
5. Spain National Team Coach
6. Later Coaching Career
7. International Coaching

Early Life and Career as a Player

Javier Clemente Lazaro began his illustrious career as a footballer for Athletic Bilbao, a prominent Basque club. From 1968 to 1974, he played 47 matches and scored 6 goals for the team. In 1969, he celebrated a triumph with Athletic, winning the Generalissimo Cup. However, a severe injury prematurely curtailed his playing career, forcing him to transition into coaching.

Transition to Coaching

Undeterred by his physical setback, Clemente seamlessly transitioned into the realm of coaching. His initial assignments included guiding Arenas, Basconia, and Athletic Bilbao's reserve team. In 1981, he ascended to the helm of Athletic's first team, marking the commencement of one of the club's most successful eras.

Success with Athletic Bilbao

Under Clemente's leadership, Athletic Bilbao flourished. In 1983, they claimed both the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey, establishing themselves as a formidable force in Spanish football. However, Clemente's success was not without controversy. He engaged in heated public exchanges with Barcelona coach Cesar Luis Menotti, who criticized his authoritarian coaching style and the team's defensive approach. In response, Clemente labeled Menotti as an "aging hippie" and a "womanizer," igniting a bitter rivalry between the two clubs.

Coaching Career in Spain

After his tenure at Athletic Bilbao, Clemente took the reins of Espanyol, where he secured a third-place finish in the league and guided the team to the UEFA Cup final. He later coached Atletico Madrid, returning to Athletic Bilbao, and then Espanyol once more.

Spain National Team Coach

In 1992, Clemente reached the pinnacle of his coaching career when he was appointed manager of the Spain national team. During his tenure, which spanned 62 matches, he guided the team to 36 victories, 26 draws, and only 6 defeats. Spain remained undefeated in 31 consecutive matches under his guidance. However, despite this impressive record, Clemente faced criticism for his favoritism towards Basque players and for omitting Barcelona captain Josep Guardiola from his squad.

Later Coaching Career

Clemente's coaching journey continued with Real Betis, where he sparked controversy by spitting at a fan and referring to Andalusia as "a separate country." He also coached Real Sociedad, Olympique Marseille, Tenerife, Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao (from whom he was dismissed after criticizing the club's transfer policy), and Real Murcia.

International Coaching

In 2006, Clemente became manager of the Serbia national team, earning a modest monthly salary of €30,000. After the team failed to qualify for the European Championship, he was relieved of his duties in 2007. In 2010, he took charge of the Cameroon national team, but was dismissed in 2011 after falling out with the Cameroonian Football Federation.