Sánchez Flores given Atlético reins

Club Atlético de Madrid have appointed Quique Sánchez Flores as their new coach after relieving Abel Resino of his duties following a string of poor results.

Valencia record
The 44-year-old former Real Madrid CF, Valencia CF and Spain defender will be officially presented in his new capacity at the Vicente Calderón on Monday, with Resino's former assistant Santiago Denia overseeing Saturday's Liga meeting with RCD Mallorca. Sánchez Flores first made his reputation coaching Getafe CF, whom he led to a 13th-place finish in their first ever top-flight season in 2004/05, before joining Valencia and taking them to third and fourth in his first two campaigns. Sacked during the 2007/08 season, he then steered SL Benfica to third in the Portuguese Liga last term before stepping down.

Defensive frailties
Noted for his defensive approach, Sánchez Flores takes over a side with the worst defensive record in the Spanish elite division, having conceded 17 goals in seven outings. The 15th-placed outfit have made their worst start to a domestic campaign for 15 years – six points from seven matches – and also lie bottom of UEFA Champions League Group D with one point and zero goals from three matches.