New Villarreal manager Manuel Preciado dies day after taking job

Club's "deepest sorrow" as 54-year-old former Sporting Gijon coach suffers heart attack ahead of being unveiled as new manager.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31:  (FILE PHOTO)  Sporting Gijon manager Manuel Preciado signals to his team during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Sporting Gijon at the Nou Camp stadium on August 31, 2009 in Barcelona, Spain. Manuel Preciado has died of a heart attack, aged 54, only a day after the announcement that he was to take up the post as the new head coach of Villarreal.  (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
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Manuel Preciado, who was due to be unveiled as the new coach of Villarreal tomorrow, has died of a heart attack, the Spanish club have confirmed.

Villarreal, relegated from La Liga last season, had announced yesterday that Preciado would take charge of the club next term.

The 54-year-old former Sporting Gijon manager was due to be presented to the media tomorrow.

However, Villarreal said in a statement this morning "The coach Manuel Preciado died overnight in Valencia as a result of a heart attack.

"The Cantabrian, who had been chosen by Villarreal to lead next season's project, was 54 years old.

"Villarreal want to express their deepest sorrow at the sad loss and want to offer their condolences to his family and all his relatives."

sports@thenational.ae

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