Just one day after joining Villarreal as its new head coach, Manuel Preciado died of a heart attack Thursday. Preciado, who was 54, was set to be introduced by the club on Friday.
"Villarreal want to express their deepest sorrow at the sad loss and want to offer their condolences to his family and all his relatives," the club said in a statement.
Preciado previously managed Spanish club Sporting Gijon before leaving in January. After taking over in 2006, he led the team into the Primera Division for the first time in 10 years in just his second season with Sporting.
In April 2011, Preciado coached Sporting to a victory against Real Madrid. For Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, it was the first home loss for any of his clubs in nine years. During that time he was in charge of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Madrid.
Earlier that same season, Preciado and Mourinho had a well-publicized spat only to reconcile later on. After hearing the news of Preciado's death, Mourinho expressed his condolences.
"He had everything I like in people and sportsmen: character, honesty and the courage to fight on," the Portuguese coach wrote in an open letter published on Madrid's website.
Other coaches and players had similar reactions. "We were having breakfast and we were all taken back by the news," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque told Spanish radio Marca. "He was a caring person and a great sportsman. He was a man of football that was an honor to coaching."
Spanish international Sergio Ramos tweeted: "Football is mourning. I got up and the first thing I heard is the news about Manolo Preciado. Life is unfair and a great person has gone."
Another member of Spain's European Championship squad, Gerard Pique, posted on his Twitter account: "A big hug to the family of Manolo Preciado. One of the greats of this sport has gone. Rest in peace."
Preciado played with several clubs including Racing Santander, Real Mallorca and Alaves. Prior to coaching Sporting, he managed Racing, Levante and Murcia.
Villareal President Fernando Roig said the club will take care of Preciado's family. "We will give support to his family, and we will all try to respect their feelings and help them in this difficult moment."
