 He coached several local youth teams in his early years, including Córdoba CF.After a successful spell with the reserves (two consecutive promotions all the way to Tercera División), he was one of four managers for the main squad in the 2001–02 season, achieving four wins, two draws and two losses during his eight games in charge as the side eventually retained their Segunda División status.Murcia then plied his trade in the third level, leading Atlético Madrid's B-team to the league championship in his first year, albeit with no playoff promotion.