Toni Muñoz steps into Futre's shoes

Primera División side Club Atlético de Madrid have appointed Toni Muñoz as their new sporting director following the recent resignation of Paulo Futre.

No hesitation
Muñoz, a former Atlético player and current head of the club's football academy, admitted thathe had no hesitation in signing a four-year contract. He said: "I am really happy and looking forward to starting work. I didn't think twice when I was offered the post and although I know it's a big challenge I feel I can handle it."

Homegrown talent
His experience with the club's youth academy no doubt played a major part in Muñoz’s appointment and he revealed that Atlético’s future direction would be in developing homegrown talent. "Our policy will be based on finding the best young players and promoting them to the first team as soon as possible," he said. "The club will take a chance on youngsters and we expect them to respond."

Aragonés delighted
Coach Luis Aragonés was reported to have been delighted with the new appointment and confirmed that he would meet Muñoz to discuss future signings. "I haven't had an opportunity to talk to him yet but we will have a meeting in the near future to go over our plans," he said. "There is plenty of work to do."

Loan signings
One of Muñoz's first tasks will be to decide whether Atlético should take up the option to sign Demetrio Albertini, José Mari Romero and Fabrizio Coloccini who are currently on loan from AC Milan. Much will depend on Atlético's ability to stabilise their financial position but club general director Miguel Angel Gil Marín admitted: "We have spent a lot on the salaries on loan players and we will have to reduce that next season."

Futre frustrated
Futre confirmed in early March that his relationship with club president Jesús Gil had broken down, with reports suggesting that the former Portugal international had become increasingly frustrated by the club's failure to delve into the top end of the transfer market.