HE Technician from Alicante, Fernando Latorre wrapped up a seven-year journey with TM Benidorm in two distinct phases. The club rose under his guidance, achieving promotion to the Asobal League in 2014 and securing a place in the top tier during his first season. His tenure saw two stays in Spain’s premier men’s handball division, before he stepped away in 2017.
He returned for the 2019-2020 campaign and continued the ascent. One of the standout moments came with a Cup final appearance in 2020 and a fourth-place finish in the Asobal League, a result that allowed the tourist city to qualify for European competition for the first time.
Yet the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted plans to travel across Europe with Benidorm, a dream that manager and team hoped to pursue again. The season that followed saw the squad reach the group stage of the EHF Europa League, standing shoulder to shoulder with Europe’s elite and etching Benidorm’s name into the continent’s handball history.
Competitors for TM Benidorm from Germany, France, Iceland, Sweden and Hungary
JA Galvanized
Fernando Latorre bid farewell last Saturday at Palau L’Illa during the match against Anaitasuna. The 33-27 victory provided a festive send-off for the Alicante coach, who leaves with a legacy of solid results and a stronger, higher-quality team at the end of the current Asobal campaign.
New challenge at EÓN Alicante
Latorre, who previously led Benidorm before coaching Eldense Attractions Center and Agustinos de Alicante, now embarks on a new phase. He signed a two-season deal with Eón Bakery Alicante with the goal of restoring elite status to the city’s men’s handball and reintroducing top-level competition. His recent reminiscing also touches on historic Calpiza moments when European glory was within reach.
Fernando Latorre will coach EÓN Alicante next season
JA Galvanized
The task is not simple, but the Alicante coach has already demonstrated the capacity to take Benidorm from the Honor B Division to Europe’s stage. The legacy he leaves behind is visible, and his new club hopes to harness that same determination to build a lasting impact. A few years from now, there could be renewed success echoing through the city’s handball history.
After the match against Anaitasuna, Latorre reflected on seven years with Benidormense in two phases, expressing pride in the achievements and the progress made together with the squad.
“As a coach, there is always room to push further and a few regrets, but the truth is this is something to be proud of. The Alicante coach commented on the stage and the team on the club’s official channels in the tourist city.
Latorre also spoke warmly of his former players, recognizing their role as key to the team’s success over the years and describing the camaraderie as a tight-knit unit that endured both good and bad moments. He recalled how the group built a strong, supportive culture inside the locker room.
Policy changes
At TM Benidorm, changes will extend beyond sport as Latorre moves on. The ordinary general meeting of partners was scheduled for Sunday, June 18, at Palau L’Illa. The session will review the 2022 accounts and present the 2023-2024 budget, along with notices about director changes and the appointment of new managers.