Resurgent Betis secure double coup
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Article summary
Changes are afoot at Real Betis Balmopié after Héctor Cúper was unveiled as thie new coach as Portugal international keeper Ricardo signed a four-year deal.
Article body
Changes are afoot at Real Betis Balmopié after the Spanish side announced that Héctor Cúper will lead them next season on a day that saw the arrival of goalkeeper Ricardo from Sporting Clube de Portugal.
European experience
Cúper will be formerly presented on Monday evening after agreeing an undisclosed contract to return to Spanish football almost 18 months after resigning at RCD Mallorca. The Argentinian, 51, will replace Luis Fernández at the Seville outfit after he was sacked in June, and brings a wealth of experience to the club garnered from successful spells at Valencia CF and Mallorca. He guided the former to successive UEFA Champions League finals while, in his first stint at the Son Moix, he led Mallorca to the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final before succumbing 2-1 to S.S. Lazio.
Ricardo switch
Betis avoided Primera División relegation by just a point last term and steering them back up the table will be a challenge for Cúper, though he will be aided by Ricardo after the Portugal keeper sealed a move. The 31-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Andalusian side, leaving Sporting three seasons after joining from Boavista FC. "Sporting will always be in my heart," said Ricardo, who has been capped 65 times by Portugal and expects his former employers to claim the title next term insisting, "I'll be back here to congratulate everyone and joins the celebrations."
