AUSTIN, Texas– Austin FC has announced that Manuel Junco has been appointed as Chief Scout. Junco joins the 27th Club in Major League Soccer (MLS) from his most recent role, Sporting / Technical Director with Wisla Krakow in Poland. Junco will remain based in Poland as he conducts his new role with Austin FC. Under Junco’s leadership, Wisla Krakow qualified for Ekstraklasa Championship play-offs each season during his tenure (2016 – 2018), while achieving a net positive balance on incoming / outgoing transfers for one of the leading clubs in Poland.
In 2005 Junco was appointed Official FA Senior Scout of Liverpool FC, working with Rafa Benitez to oversee the club’s scouting and recruitment programs in central and eastern Europe. From 2013 through 2016 Junco was Head of Scouting for Columbus Crew SC, giving him direct experience of the league Austin FC will begin competing within starting in 2021. In that role he was responsible for player evaluation and selection, a role in which he worked closely with Gregg Berhalter, US Men’s National Team Head Coach.
As Austin FC Chief Scout, Junco will be tasked with scouting worldwide from his base in Europe to implement the global scouting network he will oversee, working in close cooperation with Austin FC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna and Head Coach Josh Wolff.
“I am very excited and happy to be able to be part of Austin FC, a Club that is putting in place the foundations for success in the wonderful city of Austin,” said Manuel Junco. “It is a unique, incredible project and it is a privilege for me to have the opportunity to work and learn under the direction and leadership of Claudio Reyna and Josh Wolff. They are two top professionals of the highest level, whom I admire and respect.”
“Manuel is another significant appointment for Austin FC,” added Claudio Reyna. “He has an excellent track record, from what he achieved with Liverpool, how he has helped Wisla Krakow achieve sustained success in Poland, and with Columbus Crew SC. Manuel will lead the identification and evaluation of players around the world, bringing the right players to Austin FC who will fit not only how we want to play, but those who want to be part of what we are building in Austin.”
Manuel Junco is fluent in five languages (Spanish, English, Italian, Polish and Portuguese) and has and Honors degree in Economics and Business Administration for the University of Wales in the UK. He has also attained the UEFA Certificate in Soccer Management from University of Lausanne (Switzerland), the Soccer Academy Management Certificate (Double Pass and Ekstraklasa) and the level two coaching title from his home country, Spain.
