Manuel Preciado has resigned as coach of Real Racing Club Santander following Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat by Getafe.

Preciado decided to step down after supporters protested against him at the end of the match. With four games of the season remaining and the northern club one point off the relegation places.

“My decision is sensible and prudent – it’s not a hot-headed reaction,” said Preciado.

“I want my team to raise their game from now until the end of the season because they are still alive and it’s obvious they need a change,” he added.

“The president was very surprised but I didn’t know how to get the best out of the team and I wish them the best of luck for the final stages of the championship.”

Preciado began his second spell in charge at the start of the season, having previously led Racing in the Primera Division in 2002-03.

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