Yes, he began his career as a player. He played from schooldays onwards, and when he became a student he combined his studies with playing football (he did a degree in Physical Education in the sports division of Madrid University). He played for the Real Madrid Association Football side at that time.

He played for the Spanish Under-19 team in Mexico at the World Student Games, but got injured, which delayed his professional career. However, in 1981 he joined Parla and then LInares in 1985. With Linares he worked both as a professional player and as a coach until he suffered another injury. This was more serious and he had to give up playing professionally at the age of 25.

After this he joined Real Madrid as a coach, and has worked as a coach and manager ever since for several Spanish teams, then for Liverpool and now for Chelsea.