Antic takes Celta hotseat
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Article summary
RC Celta de Vigo have appointed the experienced Radomir Antic as their new coach.
Article body
Relegation threat
Lotina's dismissal came in the wake of Sunday's 5-2 home defeat by Real Sociedad de Fútbol, which left the Galician side just a point clear of the relegation zone in 17th place.
Betis bow
Antic will not be in charge for the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Deportivo Alavés tonight. Caretaker coach Ramón Carnero will oversee matters as Celta look to overturn a 4-2 deficit from the first leg. His first match in charge will be against Real Betis Balompié on Saturday night.
Considerable experience
Celta will hope to benefit from the considerable experience of Antic, who began his coaching career in Belgrade with FK Partizan. Last January he became the first man to have coached Barcelona, Real Madrid CF and Club Atlético de Madrid when he replaced Louis van Gaal at the Camp Nou.
Replaced by Rijkaard
After taking Barcelona to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and a sixth-placed finish in the league, he was replaced by Frank Rijkaard. He will get another taste of the Champions League next month when Celta meet Arsenal FC in the tournament's first knockout round.
Double winner
Antic's greatest moment in Spain was undoubtedly when he steered Club Atlético de Madrid to the league and cup double in 1995/96. However, he was unable to save Atlético from relegation during his last spell at the club in 2000.
