Arconada replaced at Real
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Article summary
Real Sociedad de Fútbol have agreed to end Gonzalo Arconada's reign as coach and handed the reins to José Mari Bakero after dropping into the bottom three.
Article body
Osasuna defeat
Arconada took over from José Mari Amorrortu in January, with a view to steering the Basque side to mid-table safety. However, a run of four defeats in five matches, culminating in yesterday's 2-0 reverse at local rivals CA Osasuna, has left Real Sociedad in 18th position in the 20-team competition.
Chance for Bakero
Following talks last night, the club's board has handed the reins to sporting director José Mari Bakero. The 43-year-old former Real, FC Barcelona and Spain midfield player returned to the Anoeta stadium at the start of the season after spells on the coaching staffs at Barcelona and Málaga CF. Arconada, brother of legendary Spanish international goalkeeper Luis Arconada, had spent five years in charge of Real Sociedad B before becoming head coach.