Almeria appoint Sanchez

Former Real Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez has been named as the new manager of Almeria.

Almeria unveil former Real Madrid striker as new manager

Former Real Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez has been named as the new manager of Almeria. The club have moved swiftly after sacking former boss Gonzalo Arconada on Sunday shortly after the club's eighth league defeat of the season at Sporting Gijon. After an impressive first season in the Primera Liga last year, when they surprised everyone by finishing eighth under manager Unai Emery, Almeria find themselves suffering from second-season syndrome. Emery's success earned him a switch to Valencia with Arconada having the unenviable task of succeeding him in the summer. After a run of five league defeats in a row, Almeria find themselves in 16th place in the table, just three points from safety. Sanchez, who had a recent spell in charge of the Mexican national team from 2006-2008, has been charged with keeping the club in the top division with Almeria offering him a one-year contract if he proves successful. "UD Almeria has banked on a coach who has great charisma," a club statement said. "He experienced everything as a player and who now wants to succeed as a manager in Spanish football." Sanchez has had some managerial success back home in Mexico winning back-to-back titles with Club Universidad Nacional. However it was as a player for Real Madrid where the 50-year-old made his name. He moved to Spain to join city rivals Atletico in 1981 but switched to Real in 1985. There he scored 164 goals in 207 league games winning five successive titles as well as a Uefa Cup in 1985/86. The Mexican was top scorer in Spain in his first season at Atletico and his first four at Real.