Last night Manolo Márquez handed in his resignation as manager of UD Las Palmas. Márquez informed the club's president, Miguel Angel Ramírez, of his decision to leave. The departure of the trainer comes just 24 hours after the unexpected home defeat of UD against Leganés, at the Estadio Gran Canaria. Today at 12.00, he is due to explain his decision at the stadium in a press conference.
Márquez became manager of the first team on 4th July, following a record-breaking season with second string team Las Palmas Atlético, with whom he achieved a remarkable promotion to the Second Division B level. The catalonian manager was joined by Juan Carlos Valerón and Paquito Ortiz in his team.
In the preseason with Manolo Márquez leading the way, UD Las Palmas earned victory at two historical tournaments in Spanish football, the Carranza and Ciudad de La Línea trophies. The team also won the Copa Mahou, after overcoming CD Tenerife.
In the league, UD Las Palmas has played six matches so far, with two victories against Málaga away from home and against Athletic Club in their home stadium, and four defeats, away against Valencia and Sevilla, and at home against Atlético de Madrid and Leganés in Gran Canaria. The team has scored 5 and conceded 10 goals in this period. Márquez's departure comes with UD Las Palmas above the relegation places in the league, two points ahead of the third from bottom team.
Manolo Márquez will continue to stay with the club in other capacities, in the Training and Scouting Departments. Valerón and Ortiz will continue to run the first team squad until a successor is found for the managerial position.
