Celta part company with Lotina
Monday, January 26, 2004
Article summary
RC Celta de Vigo have sacked coach Miguel Ángel Lotina despite the prospect of a European tie against Arsenal FC.
Article body
European success
Lotina, who held previous coaching positions at CD Logroñés, RCD Numancia, CD Badajoz and CA Osasuna, had only been in charge since July 2002. He guided the club to fourth position last season and a first-ever qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Heavy defeats
However, Celta have struggled this term and are currently fourth from bottom of the Spanish top flight. A 5-0 defeat by rivals RC Deportivo La Coruña on 3 January was their worst home result in 60 years and the situation has deteriorated in recent days. A midweek Copa del Rey quarter-final first-leg defeat by Deportivo Alavés was followed by a 5-2 league loss at home against Real Sociedad de Fútbol on Sunday.
Arsenal challenge
Celta will hope to have installed a replacement by the time they play Alavés again on Wednesday. The Galicians are also preparing for a Champions League first knockout-round tie against Arsenal FC, beginning with a home match on 24 February before the trip to London on 10 March.
