Villarreal have appointed B team Coach Javi Calleja as the first team’s new manager to replace the dismissed Fran Escriba.
The 39-year-old spent seven seasons as a player at El Madrigal – including helping the side reach the Champions League semi finals in 2006 – before later having playing stints at both Malaga and Osasuna.
Calleja then returned to the club to take charge of the club’s B team, who are currently undefeated after six league matches in Segunda B III – sitting third in the table between Elche and Real Mallorca.
Former Malaga Coach Javi Gracia, another previous Villarreal player, had also been linked with taking the position after leaving Rubin Kazan in July.
Escriba was dismissed as Coach at the Madrigal on Monday after winning only two of his side’s opening six La Liga fixtures and a 4-0 loss at Getafe on Sunday.
Image via Villarreal
