Alberto López Fernández


Alberto López Fernández, known simply as Alberto as a player, is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper, and is a manager.
A player with good one-on-one skills he had a weakness in crossing situations, and spent the bulk of his career at Real Sociedad, for which he appeared in 377 competitive matches.

Playing career

Real Sociedad

A product of Basque Country giants Real Sociedad's youth system, López was born in Irun, and made his first appearances with the first team in the closing stages of the 1992–93 season, having played understudy to the inconsistent Javier Yubero for most of the year. He would be the undisputed starter from the following campaign onwards, missing only seven La Liga games in the next seven years combined.
From 2001–02 onwards, López had to compete for the starting job with newly signed Sander Westerveld. He finished the season with 18 appearances, but had only one in the following campaign as the Dutchman was first-choice for the runners-up.

Valladolid

Following the emergence of another youth product at Real Sociedad, Asier Riesgo, López was deemed surplus to requirements and joined Real Valladolid in Segunda División on a one-year deal. In 2006–07, he helped the side return to the top flight after a three-year absence while also collecting a Ricardo Zamora Trophy – 36 matches, 29 goals.
In the following season, López acted as backup and helped develop wonderkid Sergio Asenjo, and had his contract extended until June 2009 after which he retired at the age of 40.

Coaching career

López started working as a manager in 2011, with Real Unión's reserves. He joined Juan Carlos Mandiá's staff at Deportivo Alavés two years later, being named his successor late into the second level campaign and eventually leading the team to safety.
On 12 June 2015, after again managing to stay afloat, López left the Mendizorrotza Stadium. During his 53 league games in charge, he collected 19 wins and 20 losses.
López returned to Valladolid on 26 April 2016, taking the place of the dismissed Miguel Ángel Portugal.