Benito Floro has resigned as coach of Villarreal, a day after the 4-1 defeat at Real Zaragoza saw the club drop out of the European qualification places.

Villarreal finished last season in 15th place but after making several big-name signings, including Juan Roman Riquelme and Sonny Anderson, they began the season well and had become unlikely contenders for a Champions League spot.

Their form has dropped off sharly in recent weeks though andthey now lie in 8th place.