 On 9 January 2006, following a 0–0 La Liga home draw against Valencia CF, he was appointed the "Colchoneros"' first team's manager, replacing the dismissed Carlos Bianchi; they ranked 12th at that time, going on to finish the campaign in tenth position.Murcia spent the following four years in the second level with as many clubs, not managing to finish one single season but with none of the teams eventually losing their league status.On 30 November 2009, after a 2–3 home defeat to CD Numancia, he was fired at Albacete Balompié due to negative results, with the Castile-La Mancha side in 16th position at that time– eventually finishing 15th.