Juan Ignacio Martinez named new Almeria coach

Madrid, Dec 12 (IANS) Spanish La Liga footbal side Almeria have confirmed that former Levante and Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez will replace Francisco Rodriguez as their first team coach.

Rodriguez was sacked in the wake of the crushing 2-5 defeat away to Eibar Monday, which left the struggling club fourth from bottom in the standings with just 10 points from 14 matches and without a home win in the ongoing season, reports Xinhua.

50-year-old Martinez will take charge of his first training session Saturday, after Almeria entertain Real Madrid in the Juegos del Mediterraneo Stadium in a game where they will be coached by reserve team boss Manuel Rivera.

Martinez is best known for a successful two-year spell with Levante, having kept the low profile team in Spain's top flight football during his tenure. His success there saw him join Valladolid last season, but he was unable to repeat the feat with a squad which had been weakened by the loss of key players, the campaign ending in relegation.

He has signed a contract with Almeria until the end of the current season, with a possibility of a 12-month extension if he helps Almeria avoid relegation.

Martinez' s first game in charge will be a King's Cup match at home to Real Betis next week.