Caretaker in charge at Villarreal

Third time lucky? 
Paquito steps up after Víctor Muñoz became the Spanish season's first coaching casualty following the 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat by third-division Hercules CF on Tuesday. Preparing for his third spell at the helm of the Madrigal club, the caretaker coach said: "For me the Valladolid game is like a film. I've had the script in my mind since yesterday and now we have to do the business out on the pitch. I just hope there is a happy ending."

That winning feeling 
Paquito previously stood in after the dismissals of José Antonio Irulegui and Joaquín Caparrós. "We have all been affected by the sacking but we have to go into the game in a positive frame of mind wanting to win it," he added.

Muñoz out 
Former FC Barcelona player Muñoz's position had been under threat after Villarreal were beaten by Málaga CF in last month's UEFA Intertoto Cup final. Ex-Real Madrid CF coach Benito Floro is the favourite to replace him on a long-term basis.

Tough decision 
Villarreal president Fernando Roig said of the sacking: "We took the decision to sack Víctor because of the situation and the pressure we have been in these last few days. It was a very tough decision, because he is a great professional."

Third term 
Muñoz, who had just started his third season as coach, had enjoyed a remarkable first campaign at El Madrigal, leading Villarreal to seventh position, two points off a UEFA Cup place. But last season the club finished 15th, three points off the relegation zone despite the high-profile signings of Martin Palermo, Diego Cagna, Arruabarrena and Guillermo Amor.

'Clear conscience' 
"I leave with a clear conscience and gratitude," Muñoz said. "The worst has happened and it is a difficult moment. These are the risks that football coaches take."

Club thanks 
While a club statement thanked the coach for his "time and effort", Roig added: "We are already negotiating with some coaches." Other candidates for the post include ex-FC Barcelona coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer and former Spain coaches José António Camacho and Javier Clemente.

First victim 
Villarreal were the first top-flight victim of the new Copa format which replaced two-legged ties with one-off matches. In addition, first division sides now have to play away from home in the first round.