Romanian Galca is new Espanyol coach

Espanyol football club has announced the appointment of Romanian Constantin Galca as the new coach for the first team until the end of the season, after the dismissal of Sergio Gonzalez.

Galca, who was also a former player at the Spanish club, signed the contract on Monday. He coached Steaua Bucharest, where he won the Romanian League and Cup titles.

Galca will coach Espanyol for the first time in the Copa del Rey clash against Levante on Tuesday at the Cornella-El Prat stadium here.

"I want to thank the club for giving me the chance to return home. I am another Espanyol fan," said the new coach at his presentation during which he said he would "give everything" for the Catalan club.

"I think we have good players and a good squad," the 43-year-old said, adding he wanted to see Espanyol "treat the ball well, keep possession and wear down our rivals".

Galca replaces Gonzalez, who was sacked with the team in the 12th place in the La Liga table, and he said he had spoken briefly to his predecessor at the club, who had also been his roommate as a player.