Jimenez assumes reins of struggling Zaragoza

Real Zaragoza have appointed Manolo Jimenez as their new coach until the end of the season. Jimenez replaces Javier Aguirre, who was dismissed earlier this week with Zaragoza rooted to the foot of La Liga having lost eight of their last nine league games. The 47-year-old Jimenez, who will be presented this evening, has spent most of his career at Sevilla, representing the Andalusian club as a player from 1983 until 1997, then becoming reserve team coach for seven years until 2007, when he took over as first-team coach for three years. After being sacked by Sevilla in March 2010, the former Spain international then took charge at AEK, who he guided to Greek Cup success last season. Zaragoza, who were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey by second division Alcorcon just before Christmas, are next in action against Racing Santander next weekend when the Spanish season resumes after its winter break.