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Atletico Madrid have fired coach Javier Aguirre and replaced him with the club’s former goalkeeper Abel Resino.
Aguirre has been in charge at the Vicente Calderon since 2006 and he has steered the team into the last 16 of this season’s UEFA Champions League, but recent domestic results have been poor and they have failed to win any of their last five matches.
Aguirre admitted he understood the decision to sack him, telling Cadena SER: “I am the first one to recognise that I am part of the problem.
“One must think about the future of the club and, above all, I want to say that this has been a gentleman’s agreement.
“It is the easier thing for everyone, less traumatic. I only have words of gratitude for the club and I am leaving with no grudges.
“I wish Abel all the luck in the world. He was doing very well with Castellon and is a good coach as well as a friend.
“Besides, I am convinced that the team will finish in the Champions League positions.”
Resino, who made 243 appearances for Atletico as a player, has been in charge of Segunda Division side Castellon for the past year.
