When Jordi Aluja arrived at McDiarmid Park in the summer of 2025, he brought with him a coaching journey that has already taken in several countries, cultures and levels of the game.
Appointed as assistant manager ahead of the new campaign, Jordi joined St Johnstone with a reputation for energy on the training pitch and a thoughtful, modern approach to coaching. It is a philosophy shaped by experiences across Europe and Asia, but one that began much closer to home.
Jordi first stepped into coaching at just 15 years old in his hometown of Cambrils in Spain. Since then, his career has taken him from Southeast Asia with Angkor Tiger FC to Finland, where he spent the last five years developing his craft across a range of roles.
“Football has always been a big part of my life. I was a goalkeeper when I was younger before I decided I wanted to go into coaching,” explained Jordi.
“I started my UEFA B licence when I was 15 so if you think about it, now I am 30, I have been coaching for half of my life.
“I have always been learning from a range of different coaches, managers and players. It has been a long process to where I am today but I must say I love it.
“Everywhere I have coached I have picked up different pieces of experience and knowledge and that has helped me grow as a coach and as a person.”
It was during his time in Finland that Jordi first crossed paths with Saints head coach Simo Valakari, forming a connection that would eventually lead to their reunion at McDiarmid Park.
Jordi continued: “Simo’s son played in my team in Finland so we always had a connection from there. He would watch our matches and we would keep in touch.
“I always followed his coaching career and when I saw he was appointed head coach of St Johnstone I had a keen interest in how the team was getting on.
“I came over to visit and watch the team when they played Kilmarnock last season and from there, I kept tabs on the players. When the opportunity came along to join the club in the summer it was a no brainer for me.”
Having already followed the team closely, Jordi admits that settling into life in Perth and working with the squad has been a natural transition.
He added: “It was nice when I first came to the club that I already had an understanding of a lot of the players. As I said, I had kept an eye on how the team was doing and how the squad was shaping up.
“Coming to Scotland and the United Kingdom was a big thing for me. It is a big football country and that was obviously a big factor in my decision to come.
“I love living in Perth and the people. It really is One Club, One City and One Community – you can feel it. It is true.”
On the season so far, Jordi added: “We are obviously doing well as a team as we head into the final few games of the league. We have been loyal to our values throughout the season and it has been successful.
“We are now all looking forward to a strong finish.”
