Marcelino new Sevilla FC coach

As expected, former Recreativo de Huelva, Sporting de Gijon, Real Zaragoza coach Marcelino Garcia Toral will sign with Sevilla for one year with an option for a second year beyond that if he meets certain criteria, a third place berth and an automatic Champions League place and such, replacing departing coach Gregorio Manzano. His current club Racing Santander are none-too happy. President Pernia tried to block the signing stating that he has a contract and finished the season with every intention of finishing that signed contract; he asked to retain loanee Giovanni Do Santos for that matter so he was clear about his future at Santander.

I can see why some would call him a mercenary. He is bailing the Racing ship just as his leadership at the helm would help them the most. He saved them from relegation and the players played hard for him despite the turmoil that management have sent the club through. Their Indian owner Ali-Syed though, has failed to live up to his promises, neglecting to pay players and invest in the infrastructure of the club, and this Marcelino story is just adding insult to injury for the players and supporters who kept the faith through one of the most difficult periods in Racing history.

That said, I have to side with Marcelino in this story. He states: "The only culpable one is Alí." He says that he was promised a project to fight for European competitions, and it hasn't turned out that way. "I had to take the Sevilla job when it came around, because who knows if that sort of opportunity ever comes around again." He signed a contract with certain stipulations and the club have failed. The contract is void. He'll have to pay to be let loose and he'll have for the first time an opportunity to bring his coaching acumen to a large club in La Liga and for the first time think of titles and trophies.

Racing Santander sack their Manager

Miguel Angel Portugal must have heard the whispers. The new owner needed a new coach. Ignore the fact that Portugal had been in the upper echelons of Real Madrid management and knew the Spanish league like the back of his hand. It didn't matter. The club had gone winless in seven matches. They are a point above relegation, and so the new owner needed to make a public splash and so today the embattled tactician was sacked.

Reports are stating that former Racing manager Marcelino Garcia Toral is the front runner for the position. It's a top-tier job all of a sudden and the higher echelon managers are going to give it a whirl, or you would think, Marcelino was considered to be one of the brighter minds in world football just three years ago, but has anyone mentioned the fact that Rafa Benitez would be perfect with a blank check-book and an eye for talent?

It may not be the sort of job that instantly enamors, but this could the start of a much brighter and competitive league. Hopefully they decide on the right leader.