Atlético make room for Murcia

Provisional appointment
The 41-year-old has been put in command on a provisional basis to see if he can turn around the club's fortunes after defeat against Real Zaragoza in Spanish Cup this week cost Argentinian coach Bianchi his job. Murcia has been coach of Atlético's 'B' team for three years, leading them in 100 games.

Flagging spirits
Murcia held his first training session with his new charges last night as they looked ahead to their weekend league game at Real Betis Balompié. Afterwards, he said: "The main objective is to recover our confidence. These situations aren't good for anyone but if we get our spirits up everything else will follow."