Juan Manuel Lillo has been named new coach of Almeria.

Lillo succeeds Hugo Sanchez, who was sacked by the Andalusian club along with his assistant Sergio Egea following Sunday night's 2-0 Primera Division defeat at Espanyol.

The 44-year-old former Real Zaragoza and Real Sociedad coach will be presented to the media on Monday and then take charge of his first training session.

Almeria lie 17th in La Liga, one point above the relegation zone, having picked up 13 points from their 15 games.

Lillo's first match at the helm will be the January 3 home encounter against Xerez.