Lotina excited to take Omonia post

Spanish coach Miguel Ángel Lotina said winning trophies was the "extra incentive" in his decision to move to Cypriot title hopefuls AC Omonia.

The 56-year-old Lotina – who is best remembered for leading RCD Espanyol to Copa del Rey glory back in 2006 – has signed a 17-month contract to replace Toni Savevski, who was sacked after a 2-0 defeat by Nicosia rivals APOEL FC on 16 December. That result left Omonia five points adrift of league leaders AEL Limassol FC, a gap subsequently reduced to four.

As well as coaching Espanyol, former CD Logroñés striker Lotina guided RC Celta de Vigo to a first ever UEFA Champions League appearance in 2002/03. His last post was at Villareal CF in 2012, who he unsuccessfully attempted to save from relegation, and his many other clubs include CA Osasuna and RC Deportivo La Coruña.

"I heard some really great things about Omonia," said Lotina. "I want to be successful, win titles and play in the Champions League. I can accomplish all those things here and that was the extra incentive I needed. I want to work hard and to help the team improve in the areas which we feel are important. We have enough quality in this squad to achieve many things."

Omonia are one of Cyprus's most successful clubs but, unlike all their domestic rivals, they have yet to qualify for a group stage of UEFA competition. They bounced back from last month's defeat at APOEL by beating another title rival, Anorthosis Famagusta FC, 3-2 under caretaker coaches Alejandro Caceres and Nehad Starovlah.

Lotina's reign begins at Enosis Neon Paralimni FC on Sunday, the new coach adding: "I am very happy and proud to be here. I have seen quite a few games of Omonia. I now need to implement my ideas into the team."