Originally an FC Barcelona youth coach, Sánchez moved to Qatar in 2006 and joined Aspire Academy.

[10] Qatar were also invited to the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States, where the hosts eliminated them 1–0 in the semi-finals.

[11] At the end of the year, his side made it to the semi-finals of the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup on home turf,[12] eventually finishing third.

[14] On 11 March 2023, Sánchez signed a four-year deal to be manager of the Ecuador national football team.

[17] On 23 July 2024, Sánchez returned to Qatar after being announced as manager of Al Sadd; it was his first senior club experience.