SBOTOP From Eibar's Miracle to Burnley’s Future: Fran Garagarza Reflects on His Journey and Ambitions Under New Ownership

When Fran Garagarza walks into a room, he carries with him the weight of one of the most improbable success stories in modern football. For more than a decade, he was the architect behind SD Eibar’s remarkable ascent from the lower leagues of Spanish football to La Liga, where they punched above their weight against European heavyweights. Now, with a new chapter unfolding at Burnley FC, Garagarza is again at the heart of a project rooted in ambition, transformation, and long-term vision.

As Burnley navigates a new era under ALK Capital’s ownership and seeks to establish itself as a sustainable top-flight contender, the appointment of Garagarza in a senior footballing role has sent a clear message: this is a club ready to think beyond the immediate horizon.

From the Shadows of the Segunda B to La Liga’s Spotlight

Garagarza’s footballing story begins not in the glitzy corridors of elite clubs, but in the quieter, often unforgiving reality of the lower Spanish divisions. When he took over as Eibar’s sporting director in 2009, the club was languishing in Segunda B, the third tier of Spanish football. With one of the smallest budgets in the country, a stadium that barely met professional standards, and no real history of top-flight football, the odds were heavily stacked against them.

“We were not just a small team,” Garagarza recounts. “We were almost invisible. But invisibility has its strengths — it forces you to think smarter.”

Instead of chasing expensive transfers or banking on short-term fixes, Garagarza implemented a recruitment philosophy centered around undervalued talent, character, and cohesion. He unearthed gems from overlooked markets and gave them the platform to develop in a tight-knit environment. Players like Ander Capa, Dani García, and Joan Jordán flourished under the Eibar project, going on to successful careers elsewhere.

Eibar’s promotion to La Liga in 2014 was a miracle by all accounts — but even more miraculous was their ability to stay there for seven consecutive seasons. They played with intensity, discipline, and an unshakable belief in their collective strength — principles instilled by Garagarza and supported by the stoic leadership of manager José Luis Mendilibar.

Lessons from Eibar Identity Over Ego

At the core of Garagarza’s philosophy lies a deep belief in identity. While other clubs in La Liga focused on signing big names, Eibar leaned into what made them unique: humility, work ethic, and tactical coherence.

“There is no shame in being small,” he says. “The key is knowing who you are — and then being the best version of that identity.”

It’s a principle he believes applies across all levels of football. For Garagarza, success is never about mimicking giants; it’s about carving out your own niche and excelling within it.

Even after Eibar’s relegation in 2021, Garagarza’s stock never fell. In fact, many observers in Spain and abroad praised how long he had managed to sustain such an improbable run with such limited means. Offers from bigger clubs came his way, but he remained selective. When the opportunity arose to explore a new frontier in English football, he listened.

Crossing the Channel Burnley Beckons

Burnley, a club rooted in the traditions of English football, has undergone a quiet metamorphosis in recent years. The appointment of Vincent Kompany as manager in 2022 signaled a departure from the more pragmatic days of Sean Dyche. With ALK Capital’s investment and a commitment to modernizing the club’s footballing operations, the groundwork was laid for a more progressive approach — one that Garagarza seemed uniquely qualified to shape.

He was appointed as a strategic advisor with responsibilities stretching beyond traditional recruitment — player development pathways, international scouting frameworks, and alignment across departments have all fallen under his purview.

“In many ways, Burnley reminds me of Eibar,” Garagarza reflects. “There is that same sense of community, humility, and fight. But Burnley has bigger resources and a broader platform. That’s exciting.”

His task is both simple and profound: to help build a footballing infrastructure capable of weathering the storms of promotion and relegation, while developing an identity that’s uniquely Burnley.

Vision Under New Ownership Building for the Long Term

Under ALK Capital, Burnley is no longer content with merely surviving. The ambition is to become a club that can challenge consistently in the Premier League or, when necessary, bounce back quickly. Garagarza’s experience with operating under financial constraints while overachieving is central to this vision.

One of his first initiatives was to revamp the club’s scouting approach. Drawing from his work in Spain, he introduced data-supported player profiling combined with rigorous character assessments.

“Talent is only part of the equation,” he notes. “You have to understand who a player is — how they respond to pressure, how they integrate into a team, how they handle adversity. That’s where real value is created.”

He has also been instrumental in fostering partnerships with clubs and academies in other European markets — particularly in Iberia and Eastern Europe — where talent can be developed and integrated into Burnley’s system.

Another key area has been the development of Burnley’s academy and youth pipeline. Garagarza believes the club can become a hotbed for nurturing young English and international talent, not just for the first team but as a broader footballing incubator.

“There is an opportunity for Burnley to become known for giving young players real chances,” he says. “That’s powerful. That’s sustainable.”

Managing Expectations in the Championship

Following Burnley’s relegation in 2024, the atmosphere around Turf Moor has been one of cautious optimism. While disappointment lingered, the club’s leadership — including Garagarza — emphasized continuity, development, and calm over panic-driven overhaul.

He supported Kompany in retaining core players and bringing in targeted additions. The goal is clear: return to the Premier League not just quickly, but equipped to stay there.

“Relegation isn’t the end,” Garagarza asserts. “It’s a lesson. The clubs that learn fastest are the ones that come back stronger.”

Burnley’s early performances in the Championship have reflected that attitude. A more possession-based style, increased trust in academy graduates, and astute signings from continental Europe have signaled a new chapter — one where Burnley isn’t just reacting to the pressures of promotion but planning how to thrive once they get there.

Fran’s Footballing Compass Culture Clarity Cohesion

Throughout his career, Garagarza has leaned on three pillars: culture, clarity, and cohesion.

Culture is about values — work ethic, humility, accountability.
Clarity is about having a consistent philosophy from the boardroom to the pitch.
Cohesion is about creating alignment among staff, players, and fans.

At Burnley, he is applying these principles methodically. He’s building out a footballing identity that can survive managerial changes, player turnover, or even divisional shifts. It’s a DNA approach, not a tactical trend.

“When the identity is clear, everything flows from it,” he says. “Players know what’s expected, staff know how to contribute, and fans recognize their team.”