Zaragoza appoint Irureta

Irureta: New boss

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Teams

• Real Zaragoza

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• Andres Nicolas D'Alessandro

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Real Zaragoza have appointed former Deportivo La Coruna coach Javier Irureta as their new boss following Ander Garitano's shock decision to quit the club just a week into the role.

Irureta has been out of a job since leaving Real Betis in December 2006 after the club made a poor start to the season.

On Tuesday, Garitano announced that he was quitting Zaragoza because of personal problems.

"Javier Irureta has signed a contract with the club until the end of the season," a statement read on the club's website.

Reports

Garitano did not divulge the details behind his decision but denied media reports that he has fallen out with the club's directors over whether Argentinian Andres D'Alessandro should be in the team.

"My decision, however surprising it might appear, is due exclusively to personal reasons," the 38-year-old said in a news conference.

"Given the state I am in right now I would have damaged the team and the club if I had carried on and I want to go now given that the team is in the middle of the table.

"I don't feel strong enough to face up to this challenge. I prefer another person to take over because the team needs someone is who 100 per cent.

"I'm not in the right shape. I've got an important reason for my decision. I've had no problem with anyone. All I ask for is respect for my decision."

Untrue

Club president Eduardo Banres also dismissed the media reports as untrue.

"I've been saddened by some of the articles that have been written because they are unfair and false," Banres said.

Garitano took charge at Zaragoza on 14th January after Victor Fernandez was sacked.

Irureta coached Deportivo La Coruna between 1998/2005, guiding them to their only league title in 2000. He has also coached Real Oviedo, Racing Santander, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo.