Sevilla appoint Antonio Alvarez coach for rest of season

Sevilla have appointed Antonio Alvarez as coach to replace the sacked Manolo Jimenez on a contract until the end of this season, the La Liga club said on their website (www.sevillafc.es) on Friday.

Jimenez was dismissed after his side drew at home with basement side Xerez on Tuesday and Sevilla have tapped Alvarez, a member of the club's technical staff, after an attempt to lure Luis Aragones was rejected by the former Spain coach.

The Andalusians are fifth in La Liga and the main task for Alvarez, previously assistant coach under Jimenez and former bosses Joaquin Caparros and Juande Ramos, will be to secure one of Spain''s four spots in next season's Champions League.            

His first match in charge will be Sunday's game at Villarreal.

Sevilla suffered a surprise Champions League exit to CSKA Moscow last week and Tuesday's draw with Xerez meant they had failed to win in seven matches in all competitions.

Local media reported Aragones was pushing for a contract until the end of next season but Sevilla were unwilling to guarantee he would stay on after the end of this term.

Alvarez will give a news conference later on Friday.