2000-2003 Roma Team/A.S. Roma Years Team Name Fabio Lopez | 1992–1993 Agiatese F.C. 1996-2000 Eurolimpia/A.S. Roma | |
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Date of birth (1973-06-17) 17 June 1973 (age 42) | ||
Fabio Lopez (born 17 June 1973) is an Italian football manager of Spanish descent and a former footballer, who is currently the manager of Al-Ahli's under 23 side. Lopez has coached many Italian academy clubs, scouted for Atalanta B.C. and ACF Fiorentina, and managed a number of clubs throughout Eastern Europe and Asia. He holds a UEFA Pro Coaching Licence.
Contents
- Playing career
- Early years
- Eurolimpia AS Roma Academy
- AS Roma Academy
- FK Banga Gargdai
- FK iauliai
- Sabah FA
- PSMS Medan
- BG Sports Club
- Bangladesh national team
- Churchill Brothers SC
- Al Orouba SC
- Al Ahli under 23s
- Atalanta BC
- ACF Fiorentina
- Managerial honours
- Personal life
- References
Lopez's first senior managerial role was at FK Banga Gargždai, starting in January 2007. He is known for his strong leadership qualities, his ability to analyse and solve problems and his excellent interpersonal and communication skills with players.
Playing career
A goalkeeper, Lopez started his playing career in the academy of A.S. Roma. Ultimately, he was forced into early retirement as a result of a serious knee injury picked up while playing with Agiatese in the 1992–93 season.
Early years
Lopez graduated secondary school with a diploma in Rome. After retiring as a footballer, he went on to become a football coach for a number of semi-professional club and youth teams. At age 28, he won a Youth Cup in an international tournament in Umbria, coaching Roma's affiliate academy side. He obtained his UEFA Youth Coaching Licence in 2000.
Eurolimpia A.S. Roma Academy
In 1996, Lopez joined the youth coaching staff at Eurolimpia Roma (Affiliate Academy A.S. Roma) as a goalkeeper coach of the academy. On March 2007, Lopez obtained a UEFA A coaching licence (Italy second category licence), which made him eligible to work as head coach of many international leagues and clubs. Since then, he has completed further coaching qualifications, and now holds a UEFA Pro Licence.
A.S. Roma Academy
In 2000, Lopez was hired by Roma's youth academy side. Roma won a provincial championship and three regional tournaments, with many members of the side going on to successful senior careers in Italy.
FK Banga Gargždai
In the 2007-08 season, Lopez was approached by Lithuanian club FK Banga Gargždai as to take over as head coach (for the first time in his career). The season was very successful as the club reached cup the semi-finals and recorded the best defensive record in the league, conceding only 15 goals all season while suffering only 6 defeats. In 2008, he was an instructor of the UEFA B course for the Lithuanian Football Federation.
FK Šiauliai
In the 2008-09 season, after success with FK Banga Gargždai, Lopez was hired by FC Siauliai. The club finished in fourth place in the league, in a season that included a record 11 consecutive games unbeaten.
Sabah FA
In 2011, Lopez was approached by Sabah FA in Malaysia's Liga Premier competition to become their manager, however the club ultimately appointed him as technical director. After eight months, Lopez resigned from the role and moved to Indonesia where he coached Premier League club, PSMS Medan.
PSMS Medan
In 2012, Lopez saved the team from relegation with two games in advance. The club occupied a lowly league position upon his arrival, however he was able to secure safety by changing the mentality of the team.
B.G. Sports Club
Lopez was then hired by Maldivian Premier League side B.G. Sports Club. Like his previous club, PSMS Madan, B.G. were also in a poor league position at the time of Lopez's arrival, their first 4 games all ending in defeat. After a series of important positive results, the team reached third place by the end of the season, which was considered a great success.
Bangladesh national team
Lopez was hired by the Bangladesh national team, however his contract with the Bangladesh Football Federation was terminated in January 2016.
Churchill Brothers S.C.
In 2016, Lopez had a brief stint coaching Goan side Churchill Brothers S.C., but after the team slumped to bottom place in the ladder at the midpoint of the season, he was sacked and eventually replaced by Derrick Pereira.
Al-Orouba SC
Lopez's next role was at Omani club Al-Orouba SC, however once again his time was cut short, this time due to 'a difference in philosophy between the manager and the board'.
Al-Ahli under 23s
After a 6 month coaching hiatus, Lopez returned to the managerial world by taking up a position as under 23s coach for Al-Ahli. Lying in 6th position at the time of his takeover, the club has registered 9 consecutive wins since his arrival, taking them up to 2nd on the ladder.
Atalanta B.C.
In 2003, Lopez became a scout for Atalanta B.C, where he remained until 2005.
ACF Fiorentina
In 2005, Lopez moved from Atalanta to become a scout for ACF Fiorentina.
Managerial honours
Regional Cup Championship - Eurolimpia
Three Regional Cup – Roma Team Sport
3 Place A Lyga FK Siauliai Championship
3 Place B.G. Sports Club Championship
Personal life
Lopez is fluent in three languages (English, Italian & Lithuanian).