Zaragoza sack Aguirre

Javier Aguirre has had his contract as Real Zaragoza coach terminated. The Mexican, who led his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, had been in charge of the Aragon club since November of the same year. Zaragoza are bottom of La Liga, having lost eight of their last nine league games. A statement on the club's official website read: "Late last night on Thursday, December 29, Real Zaragoza reached an agreement with Javier Aguirre for the termination of his contract as first-team coach." Aguirre succeeded Jose Aurelio Gay at the helm and managed to keep the club in the top flight last season, as Zaragoza finished two points clear of relegated Deportivo in a closely-fought relegation scrap. However, the first half of this campaign indicated the team would struggle to avoid the drop this time around, and the club admitted in their statement that they felt it was time for a change. "Real Zaragoza wishes to acknowledge the professionalism and dedication displayed by Javier Aguirre during the time he has been coaching the team," the statement continued. "However, the sporting situation that faced the team required an urgent change of direction, so it has come to this agreement. "Real Zaragoza wishes Javier Aguirre every success in his future career. We would also seek to highlight the exemplary attitude he has shown during his stay." The 53-year-old, who played for his country when they hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1986, also led Mexico as coach at Korea/Japan 2002. Prior to his second spell at Mexico's reins, he was in charge at Osasuna between 2002 and '06, before moving on to Atletico Madrid between 2006 and '09.