01.12.2017 15:20 h

Abelardo named Alaves' third coach of the season

Former Barcelona defender Abelardo Fernandez was named struggling La Liga side Alaves' third coach of the season on a six-month deal, the Basque club announced on Friday.

Abelardo ended his playing career at Alaves in 2003, but has been hired to recreate his success in keeping Sporting Gijon in La Liga against the odds in the 2015/16 season.

"Deportivo Alaves have completed the signing of Abelardo Fernandez as the club's new coach," Alaves said in a statement.

"He has experience in Alaves' goal for the season in staying up and has committed himself until the end of the season."

Italian coach Gianni de Biasi was sacked after just seven La Liga games in charge on Monday with Alaves, who finished ninth and reached the Copa del Rey final under Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino last season, languishing bottom of the table and six points off safety.

Luis Zubeldia was also sacked in September by Alaves' trigger happy board after just four games.

Abelardo will have to wait until Monday for his first game in charge when Alaves visit Girona.