Hector Cuper Appointed as the Manager of Indian Owned La Liga Club

La Liga club Racing Santander, owned by Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed, has appointed Argentine Hector Cuper as their next manager.

“Hector Cuper will be the coach of Racing during the 2011-2012 season. The new coach joins with Jose Carlos Fandagushi as second trainer, and Angel Puebla, as coach,” the club said in a statement.

Cuper (R) poses with Racing president Francisco Pernia

Cuper agreed to a one-year contract on Wednesday and will appear before the media later today for an official press conference.

The 55-year-old, who was capped five times as a player by Argentina in the 1980s, takes over from Marcelino Toral who left at the end of last season to take over at rivals Sevilla after guiding Santander to 12th in the league. He accused Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed, who bought the club in January, of breaking promises.

Since guiding Valencia to the 2001 Champions League final, Cuper has led six teams, including Inter Milan, Real Betis, Parma and he led Mallorca to the 2003 Copa del Rey trophy. He has also taken charge of Georgia’s national team.

Ali Syed has been quoted in local media as saying he intends to make good on pledges, including helping to settle a debt of around 13.5 million euros ($19.12 million) with players and one of around nine million euros with the Spanish tax authorities.