Irureta says goodbye to Betis

Javier Irureta has stepped down as coach of Real Betis Balompié after only six months in charge, the Spanish club announced on Thursday.

Irureta explains
"The decision to rescind my contract was mutual, but I was the first one to take a step towards this," said Irureta, whose side defeated bottom club CG Tarragona last night but remain in the relegation zone. "The decision was made before the game in Tarragona, but Betis still have a lot of possibilities this season and are still in the cup. But confidence has been lost for whatever reason and this is the reason for the decision."

Deliberations
The announcement was made after a meeting between Irureta, Betis president José León, former president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera and sporting director Manolo Momparlet. A statement posted on the club's official website confirmed the decision, with León adding simply: "All I can say is that he is leaving."

Past success
Irureta made his name during a seven-year stint at RC Deportivo La Coruña who he led to their first league title in 2000, the Copa del Rey in 2002 and to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2004. He succeeded Lorenzo Serra Ferrer as coach of Betis, having previously coached at Real Oviedo, Real Racing Club Santander, RC Celta de Vigo, Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Sociedad de Fútbol among others.