Birżebbuġa St. Peter’s FC is pleased to confirm the appointment of Luciano Santana Martel as the Club’s new First Team Head Coach, with immediate effect.
The Spanish UEFA Pro Licence coach joins Birżebbuġa on an initial three-year contract, with an option to extend the agreement for a further two years, underlining the Club’s commitment to building for the long term.
The appointment follows a difficult opening period of the season and a run of four consecutive competitive defeats. Following a review of results, performances and the First Team’s progress against the Club’s sporting objectives, the Club determined that a change in leadership was required.
However, the appointment of Santana Martel represents considerably more than a response to recent results.
It forms part of Birżebbuġa St. Peter’s FC’s wider strategy to establish a clear footballing identity, raise professional and performance standards and create a First Team structure capable of delivering sustainable success.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Santana Martel brings significant international coaching experience to Birżebbuġa, having worked across Spain, China, Thailand and Iran, as well as within international football.
His career has included coaching roles with Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League, where he worked as an Assistant Coach, and Suphanburi FC in the Thai Premier League, alongside experience with the Thailand U23 national team and within the Chinese national-team structure.
In Spain, Santana Martel previously worked within the youth structure of Deportivo de La Coruña, including collaboration with the First Team staff, before progressing through senior coaching positions within the Spanish game.
He has also worked within Spanish football development and coach education, including as a UEFA licence instructor with the Spanish Football Federation, and has participated in international football development programmes connected to LaLiga.
His wider development has also included exposure to the methodologies and football environments associated with some of Spain’s leading institutions, including Real Madrid.
This combination of European technical education and extensive international experience was an important factor in the Club’s decision to appoint him.
BUILDING A NEW FOOTBALLING IDENTITY
Santana Martel will be given a clear mandate to lead the next phase of Birżebbuġa St. Peter’s FC’s footballing development.
His immediate priority will be to stabilise First Team performance, rebuild confidence within the squad and establish the standards, discipline and playing principles expected from the team.
Beyond the immediate challenge, the Club and Head Coach will work together to develop a recognisable footballing philosophy and performance culture capable of supporting Birżebbuġa’s ambitions over the coming seasons.
The Club is currently finalising the structure of the First Team technical and performance departments, with Santana Martel involved in that process. Further appointments and announcements will be communicated in due course.
