José Antonio Prieto 'Cata' is the new sporting director of Club Atlético Osasuna. The 54-year-old Navarrese presented his project on Tuesday, focusing on coherence and stability for a club sitting 13th in La Liga with eight points.
Cata arrives to replace Braulio, with whom he previously worked, and brings extensive experience in youth football, including a stint as academy director at Real Valladolid. President Luis Sabalza backed the appointment. "It is a decision based on belief and experience," Sabalza stated.
A project of continuity
The main objective for the new director is clear: securing top-flight survival. Osasuna is handling the season with a limited economic budget and an irregular start, having won just two of their first seven matches. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, featuring a goal from Ante Budimir, who is the team's top scorer this season with five goals. The squad list and upcoming fixtures, like the tough trip to third-placed Real Betis, are the immediate priority. Fans can check the full schedule on the fixtures page.
Cata explained that his philosophy is about building patiently. "I want the fans to be proud of what we represent," the sporting director said. His plan does not seek sudden changes but aims to strengthen the club's identity and leverage the academy, an area he knows perfectly. Stability in the role is one of his key points, following the departure of his predecessor. The new sporting director has set a season target of 50 points, which will require an average of 1.32 points per game over the remaining 31 matchdays.
The current sporting context
Thomas Christiansen's team enters the international break after a tough run of form, with one win, one draw, and three losses in their last five games. They have conceded thirteen goals while scoring only six, leaving a negative goal difference of seven. Detailed analysis of the squad and their numbers is available in the stats section. The challenge now is to correct their course starting on October 11th. To reach the survival target, the team needs to improve its points average, having achieved 1.14 points per game in the first seven matchdays.
Cata's presentation ends one cycle and begins another with a focus on long-term solidity. His first major test will be the visit to Benito Villamarín, where Osasuna will look to take points from a direct rival in the upper part of the standings. The club trusts that his experience and knowledge of Navarrese football will be the foundation for survival.
First reported at Osasuna
