Real Sociedad | Beñat Labaien (Tokushima Vortis): "Ideally, this door would have opened at another time."

During the first fourteen matchdays of the season, Real Sociedad accumulated 26 points, more than a third of the total (71) that the team would eventually earn, playing a key role in securing a spot in the Champions League. In that initial phase of the campaign, Beñat Labaien (Bergara, 1987) contributed to the team's success as an analyst within Imanol Alguacil’s coaching staff. Later, during the World Cup break, an offer from Japan led him to leave the club.During the first fourteen matchdays of the season, Real Sociedad accumulated 26 points, more than a third of the total (71) that the team would eventually earn, playing a key role in securing a spot in the Champions League. In that initial phase of the campaign, Beñat Labaien (Bergara, 1987) contributed to the team's success as an analyst within Imanol Alguacil’s coaching staff. Later, during the World Cup break, an offer from Japan led him to leave the club.

Question: Last December, in the middle of the season, you left your position as an analyst at Real Sociedad and became the new head coach of Tokushima Vortis (Japanese second division). How did this come about?

Answer: It all happened very quickly and unexpectedly. At Real, I was working as an analyst, but I’ve always considered myself a coach, and I had this desire to become one for many years. Things happen when they’re meant to happen, and during the World Cup break, in November, I received the option to come to Japan, to Tokushima Vortis. Ideally, this door would have opened at another time, but it happened then, and I had to make a decision.

Q: Did it take you a long time to make that decision?

A: I would say I overthought it. It was difficult, but in this regard, I must thank Roberto Olabe and Imanol Alguacil for their great support. I was clear that I would only leave Real if both of them gave me their consent, and they were both very understanding. They understood me and encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunity. Obviously, I left with a huge sense of sadness for leaving behind a group that is a true privilege and where I was leaving friends I will have for life.

Q: I suppose your work at Real Sociedad was also helping you to prepare as a future head coach...

A: Without a doubt. I always felt that my time as an analyst at Real Sociedad was part of a process. I knew that at some point the opportunity to coach would come, so I didn’t obsess over the idea of being on the bench. I focused on learning and developing, and now I can say that without those five years at the club, I wouldn’t be the coach I am nor would I be working where I am. Keep in mind that I spent several seasons working side by side with people who are world leaders in their field, including Imanol, who has given me everything.

Q: Had any opportunities come up for you before the one at Tokushima Vortis?

A: Yes, there were some options before. But I needed to take a firm step, and I believe that at Tokushima, all the circumstances I was looking for came together. In Japan, projects are respected, and coaches are given time to develop them. Also, the type of footballer that predominates here is well-suited to what I aim to implement.

Q: Having your family with you in Japan is an important factor, right?

A: It’s a fundamental part of all this. And I feel very lucky because, as you say, I’ve been able to come with my family. My wife left her job and, let’s say, her life to settle in Japan with me and our one-and-a-half-year-old daughter. For me, their well-being is essential, and having them with me is a huge help, even though the life of a coach is what it is, and it often means leaving them alone for long periods. In this regard, we’ve been fortunate to settle in a peaceful and wonderful country.

Q: What kind of club have you joined? Tell us about Tokushima Vortis.

A: We’re talking about a club with values very similar to those of Real Sociedad, with whom they’ve recently signed a collaboration agreement. At Tokushima, they really care about their youth academy and give a lot of space for the coach to work. This is something I mentioned earlier about Japan in general, and it’s something even more pronounced at my club.

Source: Noticias de Gipuzkoa