09/05/2003 00:00
TW
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REAL Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano has been tipped by the Spanish press as a possible replacement for Atletico manager Luis Aragones who has said he will leave the Madrid club at the end of the season. Manzano, who has led Mallorca to the final of the Copa del Rey as well as into sixth place in the league, is yet to renew his one year contract with the Islanders, although that is more down to the Mallorca board than to the manager himself. Mallorca have a habit of waiting until the last minute to renew contracts, something that backfires now and then as was the case with Aragones who left for Atletico in 2001 after just one season with Mallorca. The veteran boss had just coached the Islanders to their highest league finish and to a place in the Champions League. Now it looks as though Atletico may try to prise away another successful coach from Mallorca. The impressive football Manzano's side have played for much of the season has caught the attention of several teams needing a new boss, including Atletico. Adding spice to the rumours is the fact Manzano, along with his agent, was present last Sunday at Atletico's match against Valladolid. Aragones recently told his players he will be leaving Atletico at the end of the season. Yesterday Atletico captain Carlos Aguilera confirmed Aragones had told the players of his decision.
“Luis told us he'd taken the decision and he'll have his reasons,” Aguilera said.
Atletico have been challenging for a place in Europe throughout the season although a recent poor run has seen them drop to mid-table. Aragones has had an uneasy relationship with club president Jesus Gil and revealed in January that he had been on the verge of quitting his post after Gil criticised the attitude of some of the players. Meanwhile Mallorca have been told they will receive 13'000 tickets for the Cup final in Elche on June 28. Final opponents Recreativo de Huelva will receive the same amount. In other club news veteran defender Miquel Soler has been given to go ahead to resume training. The 38 year-old veteran of 20 primera liga campaigns has been suffering from tendinitis.