Valverde takes control at Espanyol

Ernesto Valverde has been named the new coach of Primera División side RCD Espanyol following the departure of Miguel Ángel Lotina.

Valverde career
Valverde, nicknamed 'Txingurri', spent two seasons at Espanyol as a player between 1986 and 1988 before leaving to join their neighbours FC Barcelona. He retired after a spell at Athletic Club Bilbao, where he subsequently became a youth-team coach and then first-team coach.

UEFA Cup place
The 42-year-old's return follows Lotina's decision to resign after two terms at the Barcelona-based outfit. Success in the Copa del Rey this season means Espanyol will compete in the first round of the 2006/07 UEFA Cup. Espanyol also recently appointed Paco Herrera as sporting director and Pedro Tomás as general manager.