Born in Baena, Córdoba, Tapia had an unassuming career as a footballer, only representing Atlético Malagueño and amateurs UD Fuengirola.
He had his first spell as head manager with Polideportivo Ejido – still in Andalusia – in 1997, helping the side promote to Segunda División in 2001, although he would be sacked 11 matches into the following campaign due to bad results.
[2] After Gregorio Manzano's dismissal midway through the 2004–05 season, he took the reins of the first team – in La Liga[3]– being sacked in the same period of the following year and replaced by director of football Manolo Hierro,[4] in an eventual relegation.
He then returned to the top flight and Málaga – freshly promoted[7]– and almost led the team to qualification to the UEFA Europa League, after finishing eighth.
[8] After refusing a new deal in order to listen to other offers, Tapia would eventually leave his place to Juan Ramón López Muñiz (who returned from Racing de Santander after just one year), signing with Real Betis of division two.