Cúper confirmed as Betis coach

Real Betis Balompié have named Argentinian Héctor Cúper as their new coach following a season in which the Seville side just avoided relegation in Spain.

Cúper plans
The 51-year-old Cúper has signed a one-year contract, saying: "I'll be working hard to ensure we don't experience any difficulties and that we can construct a team with personality that will win games." Cúper resigned following a second spell with RCD Mallorca in February having previously led the island side between 1997 and 1999. He took charge of Valencia CF in 1999, taking them to two UEFA Champions League finals before leading FC Internazionale Milano between 2001 and 2003.

Troubled season
Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo, Chile winger Mark González, Argentinian forward Mariano Pavone and Croatia midfielder Marko Babić were all unveiled as the club's new signings today, while the contract of 20-year-old defender Isidoro Gómez has been extended by four years until June 2012. Betis had a poor start to the 2006/07 season under Javier Irureta, who quit in December. Former French international Luis Fernandez then took over but left after the penultimate game of the campaign, leaving reserve team coach Paco Chaparro to steer them to safety with a last day win.