Coach Setien to leave Las Palmas at end of season

Las Palmas chief coach Quique Setien announced on Saturday that he would not renew his contract with the Spanish football club for the 2017-2018 season.

The coach made the announcement at a midday press conference he called in the wake of Friday night's 1-0 win at home to Villarreal, which lifted his side to 11th place in the La Liga with 35 points from 28 matches, reports Xinhua news agency.

He said there had been "a series of differences which have become impossible to solve", adding he was "not 100 percent happy" at Las Palmas.

Setien explained that he hoped the announcement of his departure would mean the players focused all of their attention on a strong finish to the campaign saying he hoped that "more than ever they will give everything so that the fans can feel proud".

The 58-year-old former player joined Las Palmas in October 2015 with the club in the relegation zone and has transformed its fortunes.

During his stay, he has gained a reputation for producing attractive attacking football, which has seen him mentioned as a possible coach for other Spanish top-flight clubs for the next season.

--IANS

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