Manzano departs Sevilla

Sevilla have informed coach Gregorio Manzano they will not be renewing his contract despite the Andalusian club finishing fifth in La Liga.

Manzano joined Sevilla in September after the club sacked Antonio Alvarez because of an indifferent start to the season.

The much-travelled 55-year-old turned Sevilla’s fortunes around, leading them to fifth place and a berth in next season’s Europa League.

Despite seemingly hard done by, Manzano – former coach of Real Mallorca, Atletico Madrid and Racing Santander – said on Wednesday he preferred to make a low-key exit from the job.

“I came here quietly and I want to go quietly,” Manzano said.

“On Monday in a meeting with the president (Jose Maria del Nido) and the sporting director (Monchi) they told me that my contract would not be extended.”

“I thanked them for everything they have done for me and for the coaching staff.”

“We also want to thank the president, the sporting director and the board for first looking to bring us in. It has been an honour and a source of pride.”

“They haven’t given me any explanation because I haven’t asked for one. When the president decided to change the project I thanked him for having put me in charge, it was not the time to ask for explanations.”

“The team finished fifth. In the cup competitions we were knocked out by the eventual winners (Porto in the Europa League and Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey).”

“These are the facts. If these facts haven’t been sufficient to renew the contract, the only thing to do is to show respect. There is no need to reproach anyone or to question, I want to wish them luck.”