David Moyes considered favourite to be the next Real Sociedad manager
Madrid, Nov 3 (IANS) Former Manchester United coach David Moyes and former Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella are among the favourites to be named manager of Spanish football club Real Sociedad, who sacked Jagoba Arrasate Sunday.
Arrasate and his assistants Txema Lumbreras and Bittor Alkiza were sacked after the team managed to win only one out of 10 games in the season so far, reports Xinhua.
Arrasate had been under pressure ever since his side was knocked out of the qualifying round of Europa League, following a 0-3 defeat to Russian side Krasnodar -- a result which severely dented confidence in the young trainer.
B-team coaches Asier Santana and Imanol Alguacil will now take over the first team as the club intensifies its search for a replacement.
Arrasate was promoted from being the assistant to former coach Phillipe Montanier in the summer of 2013 and the former head of the club's youth system was seen as a cheap option rather than looking for a big name to guide Real Sociedad in a season where they played in the Champions League.
If the Spanish press are to be believed, several big names including Moyes is also among the favourites. It has over six months since David Moyes’ termination as Manchester United’s manager and the Scot insisted last month that he was ready to get back into management.
"I am ready to return," revealed Moyes. "I have enjoyed the time off but I have got to wait on the right job and make sure it's one that I want."
Sabella has also been mentioned along with Pepe Mel, who last season coached Betis and West Bromwich Albion while the club is also keen on German coach Thomas Tuchel, who is doing an excellent job at Mainz.
The 41-year-old Tuchel would fit the bill of being a young coach, who also has experience, but one problem is that Real Sociedad would have to pay hefty compensation to his current club if they want to tempt him to move to Spain.