Atletico Madrid has its sights set on only one match for the remainder of the season: the Copa de la Reina final. This decisive clash could salvage the campaign, yet the club’s board has already begun planning for the next term. A revamped Atletico is expected, and once again, changes will start from the dugout. José Herrera will not continue as head coach, and the search for his replacement is already underway. Among the candidates, one name stands out: Mariana Cabral.
The story of this young Portuguese coach is remarkable. Born in the Azores, Cabral grew up without female role models in football but fueled by a deep passion for the game. “The turning point was the 1999 World Cup. I was struck by the image of Brandi Chastain taking off her jersey to celebrate the United States’ victory. That moment seemed incredible to me,” she once said in an interview. That passion led her to Lisbon, where she studied journalism. She eventually interviewed major figures like Sarina Wiegman, José Mourinho, and Pia Sundhage. Constantly learning, she pursued coaching after being inspired by one of her coaches during her time as an amateur player.
In 2022, she was on the bench of Sporting Portugal, achieving a domestic double with both the league and cup. Cabral was making a name for herself. She then moved to the United States, where she coached Utah Royals and currently leads Chicago Red Stars. Her profile has caught the attention of Atletico’s hierarchy.
Another name on the colchoneros’ shortlist is Ángel Villacampa. The current manager of Mexican side América could return to the red-and-white club, where he won the league in 2018. Villacampa has also worked with China’s youth teams, Athletic Club, and the Mexican club, where he won the 2023 Clausura tournament. The race for the Atletico bench is heating up.
