Luis Garcia Returns to Coach His Former Club Espanyol

Espanyol, struggling in La Liga, announced the appointment of former player Luis Garcia as the team's head coach following the dismissal of Diego Martinez after a fourth consecutive loss on Saturday. Espanyol lost 2-1 to Girona, placing them in 17th position, and they fell into the relegation zone on goal difference after Valencia drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano on Monday. The former midfielder Garcia, 42, scored 60 goals in over 260 appearances for Espanyol between 2005 and 2012 and led the team to the Copa del Rey title in 2006. Valencia has 27 points from 27 matches, sitting in 17th place, ahead of Espanyol and Almeria on goal difference. Espanyol will host Athletic Bilbao next Saturday.