Lotina parts with Espanyol
Monday, May 15, 2006
Article summary
Miguel Ángel Lotina has resigned as coach of Spanish Cup winners RCD Espanyol despite securing another season of Primera División football.
Article body
Miguel Ángel Lotina has resigned as coach of Spanish Cup winners RCD Espanyol despite securing another year of Primera División football.
Cup celebration
Survival was ensured on the last day of the Barcelona team's season with Saturday's 1-0 home win against Real Sociedad de Fútbol but it was not enough to keep the coach at the club he joined in 2004 from RC Celta de Vigo. Espanyol lifted the Copa del Rey last month with a 4-1 victory against Real Zaragoza, meaning a UEFA Cup campaign next term.
'Decision is final'
"My decision is a difficult but well-thought one," said the 48-year-old. "I think it's the end of my cycle here. I can only have words of praise for Espanyol because they have everything to succeed: good players, enthusiastic directors, good facilities and a great youth scheme. I will always carry Espanyol in my heart but it's been a tough season and my decision is final."