|
|
Official: Atletico Madrid sack coach Gregorio Manzano
Despite leading the Rojiblancos into the last 32 of the Europa League, the 55-year-old has paid the price for the club's poor Liga form and shock Copa del Rey exit
22 Dec 2011 18:32:00
By Mark Doyle
Gregorio Manzano - Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have dismissed coach Gregorio Manzano in the wake of Wednesday night's dismal Copa del Rey defeat to Albacete.
It was claimed after last Sunday's Primera Division loss at home to Real Betis that the Rojiblancos' board had already decided to fire the 55-year-old, irrespective of the outcome of their midweek meeting with the Segunda side.
However, their embarrassing 1-0 loss at the Vicente Calderon has now sealed Manzano's fate, with the club releasing a statement on their official website on Thursday.
"The Executive Committee of Atletico Madrid, meeting today to discuss the sporting situation, unanimously decided to dismiss Gregorio Manzano as first team coach.
"This decision has been communicated to the technician, with whom we reached an agreement for the termination of his contract.
"Atletico Madrid thanks Gregorio Manzano for the work done and wishes him well for the future."
Rafael Benitez, who turned down Atletico over the summer, is said to the club's preferred candidate to take over.
However, former midfielder Diego Simeone is now in the running after parting company with Racing Club earlier in the week.
Manzano only arrived in the Spanish capital in the summer and despite leading Atletico into the knockout stages of the Europa League, he has come under fierce criticism from the club's fans because of his side's inconsistent form in La Liga, with the Rojiblancos currently 10th in the table.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
It was claimed after last Sunday's Primera Division loss at home to Real Betis that the Rojiblancos' board had already decided to fire the 55-year-old, irrespective of the outcome of their midweek meeting with the Segunda side.
However, their embarrassing 1-0 loss at the Vicente Calderon has now sealed Manzano's fate, with the club releasing a statement on their official website on Thursday.
"The Executive Committee of Atletico Madrid, meeting today to discuss the sporting situation, unanimously decided to dismiss Gregorio Manzano as first team coach.
"This decision has been communicated to the technician, with whom we reached an agreement for the termination of his contract.
"Atletico Madrid thanks Gregorio Manzano for the work done and wishes him well for the future."
Rafael Benitez, who turned down Atletico over the summer, is said to the club's preferred candidate to take over.
However, former midfielder Diego Simeone is now in the running after parting company with Racing Club earlier in the week.
Manzano only arrived in the Spanish capital in the summer and despite leading Atletico into the knockout stages of the Europa League, he has come under fierce criticism from the club's fans because of his side's inconsistent form in La Liga, with the Rojiblancos currently 10th in the table.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Goal.com readers back Richards over Rio & Kelly
The fans have spoken and a small majority believe the Manchester City right-back was the right choice to deputise in place of the Chelsea centre-back who suffered a broken jaw
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
