Villarreal extend coach Calleja's contract to next season

Source: Xinhua| 2018-05-21 19:07:46|Editor: ZD
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MADRID, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Spanish La Liga club Villarreal have rewarded coach Javi Calleja for his excellent work this season by extending his contract to the 2018-19 season.

The former Villarreal B-team boss was promoted to the first team after a 4-0 defeat to Getafe in the sixth game of the campaign saw Fran Escriba sacked from his job as coach with Calleja being promoted to replace him.

He took over with Villarreal having just seven points and last Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Real Madrid assures the club fifth place in the domestic league qualifying directly for the group stage of next season's Europa League.

The Villarreal website said that the coach and club will now "analyze the current situation of the club," as the preparation begins for next season.

One player Villarreal will have to replace is midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez. The 21-year-old, who made his debut for Spain in March, will join Atletico Madrid in a deal thought to be worth around 20 million euros after confirming that his time at Villarreal "has come to an end" following Saturday's final game of the season. 

KEY WORDS: Villarreal
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