Hong Kong football club Kitchee SC has appointed Iñigo Calderón as their new head coach. The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender takes the reins with the task of revitalizing the 12-time Hong Kong champions.
Calderón, born on January 4, 1982, brings a wealth of experience from his playing career to the role. He played as a right-back for Spanish clubs such as Alicante and Alavés before joining Brighton & Hove Albion in 2010. During his time with the Seagulls, he made 232 appearances and became a popular figure with the fans.
After retiring from professional football, Calderón transitioned into coaching. He secured a UEFA Pro Licence and served as an assistant manager for Alavés' reserves. In June 2023, he returned to Brighton & Hove Albion as the under-18 head coach. Most recently, before joining Kitchee, Calderón was appointed manager of League One side Bristol Rovers on December 26, 2024.
Kitchee SC, founded in 1931, is one of Hong Kong's most successful football clubs. They compete in the Hong Kong Premier League and have won 12 league titles, nine Senior Shields, and seven Hong Kong FA Cups. The club is also the first team from Hong Kong to win a game in the AFC Champions League group stage and to advance to the round of 16 in the competition.
The 2024-25 season is Kitchee's 43rd season in the top-tier division in Hong Kong football. For the season, Kitchee will compete in the Premier League, Senior Challenge Shield, FA Cup, and Sapling Cup.
The club has a strong foundation, with a squad size of 36 players, including 9 national team players. Their home stadium is the Mong Kok Stadium, which has a capacity of 6,664.
Calderón's appointment comes as Kitchee looks to regain their dominance in the Hong Kong Premier League. The club has a rich history of success and a strong commitment to youth development. With Calderón at the helm, Kitchee aims to build on their past achievements and continue to be a force in Hong Kong football.
Other staff members at Kitchee include: * Edgar Cardoso: Manager * Fernando Recio: Assistant Manager * Stefano Sousa: Assistant Manager * Jianqiao Guo: Goalkeeping Coach * Jordi Tarrés: Technical Director
