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Olabe charged with saving Almería

Having helped UD Almería win promotion to the Spanish Liga four years ago, Roberto Olabe has now returned to the club as coach, with the job of saving their top-flight status.

Former Real Sociedad coach Roberto Olabe has taken the reins at Almería
Former Real Sociedad coach Roberto Olabe has taken the reins at Almería ©Getty Images

UD Almería, rock bottom of the Spanish Liga, have appointed former sporting director Roberto Olabe as coach for their eight remaining games this season.

The 43-year-old will be asked to preserve the top-flight status that he helped Almería achieve in the first place, when, working as sporting director alongside coach Unai Emery, he helped lead the Andalusian side to the hitherto uncharted waters of the Liga in 2006/07. Olabe replaces José Luis Oltra, who was sacked on Tuesday in the wake of a 3-1 home defeat by Athletic Club.

Olabe previously served as sporting director of Real Sociedad de Fútbol when they qualified for the UEFA Champions League in 2002/03, in between two spells as head coach of the San Sebastian outfit. More recently, he held the former post at Real Valladolid CF.