Espanyol FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1900
• Manager:Mauricio Pochettino

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Espanyol turn to Pochettino

21 Jan 2009 - 07:29:43

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Espanyol have turned to inexperienced coach Mauricio Pochettino following their decision to sack Jose Manuel Esnal.

Pochettino has been tasked with moving the Barcelona-based club away from the relegation zone in what will be his first Primera Liga coaching role.

The 36-year-old had two spells with the Catalan club as a player in which he made almost 300 appearances.

He becomes the third coach at the Lluis Companys this season following the dismissals of both of his predecessors, Bartolome Marquez and then Mane.

"There is always risk in life and when one decides to take a coaching job it is assumed situations will arise," said Pochettino, whose only previous experience is with the club's female team.

"I assume the risk and responsibility and I want to transmit confidence and optimism so the fans sit down and are proud of our side.

"I have absolute confidence in the players, and it is an exciting and important challenge."