Almeria confirm Francisco as manager

Almeria have appointed former player Francisco as manager ahead of their return to La Liga.

The 34-year-old, who has coached the club’s B team for the last two seasons, will become the youngest coach in the top flight when Almeria play in La Liga for the first time in thee seasons.

In a statement on their website, the club indicated that they wanted a young manager who would blood younger players following the departure of former boss Javi Gracia.

The statement read: “After not reaching a contract extension agreement with Javi Gracia, the club was clear about who was their preferred choice, a young coach who can give academy graduates a prominent role.”

Almeria secured their return to La Liga in the Segunda Division play-offs with a 4-0 aggregate win over Girona, having beaten Las Palmas in the semi-final.

Elche and Villareal occupied the league’s two automatic promotion places.