Ñublense announced on Thursday that Juan José Ribera will be its head coach for the 2026 season, succeeding Ronald Fuentes. The former Audax Italiano manager returns to the Chillán-based club where he previously coached in 2008 and 2009. The club shared the news via its official social media channels.
The Chillán club ended uncertainty on its coaching staff by confirming Juan José Ribera's hiring to lead the team in Chile's Primera División for 2026. Ribera, nicknamed 'JJ', takes over after Ronald Fuentes' tenure, which left the team in 10th place in the 2025 National Tournament.
Ñublense wrapped up that season with 33 points from eight wins, nine draws, and 13 losses. They scored 31 goals and conceded 40. A 5-0 thrashing of Cobresal in the final match improved their finish, but the team endured a poor second half, going nine games without a win.
The new technical staff features Fernando Solís as assistant coach, Osvaldo Alegría handling physical preparation, Sergio Sobarzo as video analyst, and Miguel Jiménez as goalkeepers' coach. Ribera brings extensive experience in Chilean soccer: he has managed Malleco Unido, Deportes Concepción, Coquimbo Unido in two stints, Rangers, Antofagasta, Temuco, Curicó Unido, San Luis, and Audax Italiano on three occasions, leaving the latter near the end of the previous season.
Regarding the squad, Ñublense faces more departures than confirmed arrivals. Players not continuing include Patricio Rubio, Bernardo Cerezo, Rodrigo González, Pedro Sánchez, Bayron Oyarzo, Carlos Labrín, Esteban Valencia, and Diego Tapia. Ribera's challenge will be to rebuild a competitive team amid coaching changes across the Primera División.
