Madrid, Aug 12 (IANS): Fran Escriba is delighted and surprised to be named the new coach of Spanish football club Villarreal, but realises he has a major task ahead of him.

The former Elche and Getafe coach was confirmed on Thursday as the replacement for Marcelino Garcia, who was surprisingly sacked by the club on Wednesday after a fallout with players and directors, reports Xinhua.

The appointment is a major turnaround in fortunes for Escriba, who was sacked by Getafe in April following a run of 12 games without a win, and he admitted he had been expecting to start the season without a club.

"Villarreal don't call you every day. I know I have a major challenge ahead of me, but I couldn't say no," he said in the press conference at his official presentation.

Marcelino's departure came a week ahead of Villarreal's Champions League qualifying round against French side Monaco, the result of which will condition the club's season.

"We are going to try and help the players to continue being what they have been up to now and for things to go well," he said, adding that he would not be looking to change the club's passing game.

"The project needs continuity and the key thing is to take advantage of the good things that the side has. I have always liked how Villarreal play, they are organised and I like that, I hope I can improve some things, but my ideas fit very well into what we have," concluded Escriba.