Real Sociedad coach to leave at end of season

Madrid, May 22 (IANS):

Spanish Primera Liga football club, Real Sociedad have confirmed that coach Philippe Montanier will leave the club at the end of the current season.

The side from the Basque city of San Sebastian issued a communique Tuesday in which they admit Montainier has turned down the club’s offer of a new contract, reports Xinhua.

According to the club, Montanier has “communicated to Real Sociedad the decision to not accept the offer to renew his contract and as a result he will leave at the end of the 2012-2013 season when his contract expires,” confirmed the communique, which asked for the unity of all as the club close in on the end of a successful season.

Real Sociedad are currently fourth in the league table and two wins will assure they return to Champions League next season at the end of an excellent campaign.

The news comes at a bad moment given that Real Sociedad will entertain Real Madrid in the Anoeta Stadium Sunday night.

A win would give Real Sociedad a huge boost in their head to head struggle against Valencia in the battle for fourth place. Curiously Real Madrid confirmed that their coach, Jose Mourinho will also leave at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, French club Rennes have confirmed that Montanier will be their coach for next season after agreeing a three-year deal to return to his homeland.