Serra Ferrer bows out at Betis
Thursday, June 1, 2006
Article summary
Llorenç Serra Ferrer has resigned as coach of Real Betis Balompié after two years in charge having led his side into the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League.
Article body
Llorenç Serra Ferrer has resigned as coach of Real Betis Balompié after two seasons in charge having led his side to victory in the Copa del Rey in 2004/05.
Disappointing return
The 53-year-old has left the Andalusian club after his side failed to repeat the success that they enjoyed during his first campaign in charge. Serra Ferrer took over at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera for a second time in the summer of 2004 having already spent four seasons in charge of the club between 1993 and 1997.
Initial success
He guided Betis into the UEFA Champions League at the end of the 2004/05 campaign and also took them to victory in the Copa del Rey, their first major trophy since 1977. After finishing in third place in their UEFA Champions League group, Betis were then eliminated from the UEFA Cup in the Round of 32 by FC Steaua Bucuresti in March.
Envious neighbours
Their European adventure was in stark contrast to the Primera División performances as the club fought against relegation and only secured their top-flight status on the penultimate weekend of the season, eventually finishing in 14th place in the Spanish top flight. In the meantime, their neighbours Sevilla FC claimed the UEFA Cup.
