Manzano returns for third spell as Mallorca coach

Madrid, Feb 6 (IANS): Struggling Primera Liga football club Mallorca confirmed Gregorio Manzano as the replacement for coach Joaquin Caparros.

Manzano Tuesday signed a contract until the end of the season with an option of another year, but it is surprising that the club has opted to employ him as the coach for the third time, reports Xinhua.

Manzano has also worked for Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Racing Santander and Rayo Vallecano in the past.

Caparros was sacked Monday after his side took just six points from its last 17 games to drop to second from bottom of the league table.

Manzano was a hero at Mallorca after leading the team to the Copa del Rey in his first spell at the Iberostar Stadium but his second spell as Mallorca coach ended in controversy and acrimony.

Upon leaving the club at the end of his second spell, Manzano had complained about unpaid money he was owed and had taken legal action which had threatened the very existence of the club.

As a result he is highly unpopular with the Mallorca fans, although at his presentation Tuesday noon, Manzano said he was optimistic this would not be a factor in his debut next weekend when the club hosts fellow strugglers Osasuna.

“The fans who what we have at stake here. I hope and desire that we are all together as one when we face Osasuna,” he said.

“The club knows what is best for Mallorca. This is my home and I have lived a lot of things here, both good and bad. You never know where your job may lead you, I could have gone elsewhere, but I feel very proud,” he said.