Luis García gets Getafe job

Luis García has signed a three-year contract to coach Getafe CF, replacing Míchel at the club from the Madrid suburbs following a fine first Liga season in charge of Levante UD.

The 38-year-old came to prominence in winning promotion to the top division with Levante in 2009/10, and securing his side's survival in the last game of the following campaign. Levante finished 14th, two places above Getafe, who in turn were just a point clear of RC Deportivo La Coruña in the final relegation slot.

Luis García achieved little of note as a central defender, having started his career as a trainee at Club Atlético de Madrid, and moved into coaching in his late 20s. "It's a beautiful project which will let me develop the way I want," he said of his new challenge. "This is a club that wants to keep growing, which is hungry for more. This is a big step in my career."

Juan Ignacio Martínez has filled the vacant post at Levante after two seasons in charge of second-tier side FC Cartagena. "I will try to convey to the players the ambition that I bring with me, but we must let our actions speak on the pitch," said the 46-year-old. "Coaching in the Spanish Liga is a privilege."