Andorra will not rush Jesus Owono back after Jesus de Miguel’s death

Andorra manager Carles Manso says goalkeeper Jesus Owono will be given as much time as he needs before deciding whether to return to training or playing, following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.

De Miguel died after colliding with Owono during the match between Tenerife and Andorra. The tragedy has left Owono deeply affected, while condolences have been offered to De Miguel’s family and those connected with Tenerife.

Manso said the club would not place any pressure on the goalkeeper to resume his career before he felt ready.

“We have to give him enough space to feel completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return or not, when he considers it appropriate and feels ready,” Manso told Marca.

The Andorra manager said supporting Owono and helping him deal with the consequences of the incident was the club’s immediate priority. The goalkeeper continues to receive support from his family, partner, friends, representatives and other people close to him.

Andorra remains in contact with Owono while respecting his privacy and the difficult psychological circumstances he is experiencing. Manso stressed that the club was not forcing him to take any action and warned against rushing reports about his future or a possible return date.

He said any decision had to come from Owono himself, once he believed he could continue his career without being subjected to further pressure.

Manso also criticised speculation that had emerged in recent days, saying some of the reports had failed to consider the goalkeeper’s feelings or the scale of the shock he had suffered. He added that many claims had been made without establishing what Owono actually wanted.

The coach said it was also too early to discuss possible sporting sanctions because the disciplinary committee had not yet reached a decision on the incident. He urged people not to prejudge the outcome or treat Owono’s future as settled.

Manso renewed his condolences to De Miguel’s parents, partner and daughter, as well as to Tenerife and the people of the island. He described the incident as a tragic event beyond the goalkeeper’s control and said Owono needed to be supported as a person enduring a traumatic experience, rather than viewed only as a footballer.

Andorra has provided psychological support to its players and staff, both collectively and individually. Manso said the incident had had a major impact on everyone who was at the stadium and witnessed the difficult moments before De Miguel’s death.

Owono’s circumstances have attracted particular attention because of his direct involvement in the collision. Manso said the goalkeeper had not been prepared to face an experience of this magnitude, making sensitivity and understanding essential while avoiding media pressure and speculation about his future.

He added that Andorra would remain close to Owono and provide full support as he worked through what had happened. The club will leave the timing of any return entirely to the goalkeeper, recognising that psychological recovery is as important as physical readiness before he resumes competitive football.