AEK Larnaca appoints Javi Rozada as new head coach

AEK Larnaca has officially signed a contract with 43-year-old Spanish coach Javi Rozada, who joins the team from Freedom24-Krasava ENY Ypsonas. The agreement is effective until the end of the current season, with an option to extend for an additional year. Rozada will be joined by assistant coach Miguel Mendez Fernandez. During his tenure at ENY Ypsonas, which began in December 2025, Rozada managed 10 matches with conflicting reports regarding his record, citing either 5 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses or 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses. His debut is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, against Crystal Palace in the Conference League round of 16. The transition has been contentious, as ENY Ypsonas accused the coach of unprofessional conduct for informing players of his departure shortly before a match against Pafos FC, threatening potential legal action. Rozada, born on July 3, 1982, previously managed CD Lealtad, Real Oviedo B, Real Oviedo, Racing Santander, and Real Aviles.