Rafael Guijosa returns as coach of the Islamic Republic of Iran men's senior team

24 Sep. 2024

Rafael Guijosa returns as coach of the Islamic Republic of Iran men's senior team

The Islamic Republic of Iran Handball Federation have announced the appointment of Rafael Guijosa Castillo as the coach of the men’s senior national team, replacing Veselin Vujovic, who led the team at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship.

Guijosa Castillo, a former left wing, has featured for Spain’s national team for 119 matches and scored 538 goals, securing the bronze medal at the Atlanta 1996 and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, as well as the silver at the EHF EURO 1998 and the bronze at the EHF EURO 2000.

In 1999, he was named the IHF Male Player of the Year, having played for FC Barcelona, Juventud Alcalá and BM Guadalajara. Since 2003, he has been a coach, leading BM Alcobendas and Ademar Leon at club level, having also led the Islamic Republic of Iran between 2012 and 2014.

Guijosa’s last assignment was leading the Rwanda senior and youth national teams, before deciding to return for his second stint as the coach of the Islamic Republic of Iran men’s senior national team.

In the last five years, Iran changed three coaches, with Alireza Habibi being succeded by Manuel Montoya Fernandez and Veselin Vujovic, with the latter coach delivering a 24th place at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship, when the Asian side won one of the six matches they played.

As only the top four teams at the 2024 AHF Asian Men’s Handball Championship qualified for 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship, and Iran finished on the sixth place, the side will not feature in the world handball flagship competition, but Guijosa’s mission will surely to bring Iran back between the top sides in the world.

In his previous stint as Iran national team’s coach, Guijosa delivered the best performance in history for the Asian side, which finished third, sealing their maiden and only medal so far, the bronze at the 2014 AHF Asian Men’s Handball Championship.

Credit photo: Rwandan Handball Federation