Mikel Labaka

Mikel Labaka Zurriarain (born 10 August 1980) is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a central defender. He is currently assistant manager of Real Sociedad.

He totalled 111 La Liga matches and five goals over six seasons, representing Real Sociedad and Rayo Vallecano. He added 111 games and eight goals in the Segunda División, in a 14-year career.

Playing career Born in Azpeitia, Basque Country, Labaka reached Real Sociedad's youth system at the age of 17. After playing three years with the reserves he made his professional debut with Real Unión (Segunda División B) and Ciudad de Murcia (Segunda División), spending one season with each club on loan.

On 24 October 2004, Labaka made his first-team – and La Liga – debut with Real Sociedad, in a 2–1 home win against RCD Mallorca, and finished his first season with 30 games and three goals to help the Txuriurdin to finish in 14th position.

In August 2011, the 31-year-old Labaka was deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Philippe Montanier, and left Real to sign for Rayo Vallecano, recently promoted to the top tier. He retired in June 2013, after two seasons as a backup.

Coaching career Labaka was named assistant coach at his main club Real Sociedad on 7 June 2016, after nearly two years in the same capacity with the B side. He remained in the position for more than a decade, working under several managers.