Struggling Mallorca announces Martin Demichelis as new first team coach

MADRID, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- La Liga struggler Real Mallorca on Thursday confirmed former Argentina defender Martin Demichelis as its new first team coach.

Demichelis replaces Jagoba Arrasate, who was sacked on Monday after a 2-0 defeat away to Celta Vigo that leaves Mallorca third from bottom of La Liga and in the relegation zone with 24 points from 25 games and just six wins all season.

The Argentinean has agreed an initial contract until the end of the season, with the option of an additional year with the option to extend the agreement for an extra year.

He will make his debut as Mallorca coach with a home game against Real Sociedad on Saturday with his second game a difficult visit to play Osasuna in Pamplona.

As a player, 45-year-old Demichelis played for Bayern Munich, Malaga and Manchester City and also played over 50 times for Argentina, while as a coach he has worked with Bayern's B-team, River Plate and Mexican side Monterrey, winning a league title and a Supercup with River Plate. ■