Madrid: Miguel Angel Lotina has been named the new coach of Spanish La Liga football side Villarreal after the Sunday night sacking of Jose Molina.

Molina lost his job as a direct result of Villarreal's 0-1 defeat away to Levante Sunday. The result leaves the side fourth from bottom of the table.

Molina lost his job after just 10 games in charge after the former B-team boss had replaced Juan Carlos Garrido, who was sacked just before Christmas.

Molina's stint as first team coach failed to lift Villarreal away from danger and yielded just two wins, three draws and five defeats with just one point coming from the last five games, Xinhua reports.

Lotina, who has coached clubs such as Espanyol, Deportivo la Coruna, Celta and Real Sociedad has signed until the end of the season with the brief of helping the club avoid relegation. An experienced coach, used to working on a limit budget, he has a reputation for getting results in the short term and in making his sides tough to beat.

On being presented at the club, Lotina admitted that it was a difficult task, but said he was excited by the challenge. He faces a baptism of fire Wednesday night as his side entertains league leaders Real Madrid. (IANS)