Ander Garitano has quit as Real Zaragoza coach just eight days after being appointed, citing personal problems for his departure.
“My decision, however surprising it might appear, is due exclusively to personal reasons,” the 38-year-old confirmed.
“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 who is 100 percent.”
Garitanorefused to elaborate on his decision but denied press reports that he had fallen out with the club directors over whether Argentine midfielder Andres D’Alessandro should be in the team.
“I’m not in the right shape,” he added. “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.”
Club president Eduardo Banres said the media reports about a dispute were untrue.
“I’ve been saddened by some of the articles that have been written because they are unfair and false,” said Banres.
“We thought Garitano was the best man for the job and we told him we thought he was making a mistake. No one could have imagined that this would happen…. I told him not to get weighed down by the responsibility.”
Former Deportivo Coruna coach Javier Irureta is the favourite to replace Garitano.
