Madrid - Struggling Spanish club Racing Santander announced on Thursday the appointment of Miguel Angel Portugal as coach.

Portugal, 53, has been given the job until June, with an option to stay on next season if relegation is avoided.

Santander are fourth from bottom of La Liga, having made a poor start. Juan Carlos Mandia was sacked as coach 10 days ago, and club president Francisco Pernia has struggled to find a replacement.

Portugal did well at Santander in the 2006-2007 season, before taking the job of technical secretary at Real Madrid for two years.

His first game in charge, ironically, will be away to Real on Saturday.

Santander are the second Liga club to change coaches this season. Atletico Madrid, who are third from bottom, replaced Abel Resino with Quique Sanchez Flores in October. (dpa)