Seedorf replaces Parralo as Deportivo coach

Bengaluru, February 6: Former Dutch international midfielder Clarence Seedorf will coach Deportivo La Coruna until the end of the season, the La Liga club announced on their website.

Deportivo La Coruna have named Clarence Seedorf as their new manager. pic.twitter.com/jLa4OI52Vd

— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) February 5, 2018

The former Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan star replaces Spaniard Cristobal Parralo, who was sacked following the crushing 0-5 defeat to Real Sociedad that left the club in the relegation zone.

Clarence Seedorf named new coach of La Liga strugglers Deportivo La Coruna after Cristobal Parralo is sacked https://t.co/TeNw5BrydE pic.twitter.com/A9soQ85UdQ

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) February 5, 2018

Seedorf will be the 10th Dutch manager in La Liga history and the first one since Frank Rijkaard and Ronald Koeman in 2008.

10 - Clarence Seedorf will be the 10th Dutch manager in La Liga history and the first one since Frank Rijkaard and Ronald Koeman in 2008. Chance. pic.twitter.com/Mnr4971efN

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 5, 2018

He also becomes Deportivo's seventh coach in the last four seasons.

The 41-year-old has only had two previous short and unsuccessful spells as a coach.

He coached AC Milan for 22 matches from January to June 2014 and spent 14 matches at the helm of Shenzhen in the Chinese second division from July to December 2016.

As a powerful and athletic midfielder he enjoyed far greater highs and remains the only player in history to have won the Champions League with three different clubs.

He also won league titles in three different countries.

Deportivo are currently languishing 18th in the La Liga table with just 17 points from 22 games. They suffered some huniliating defetas including a 7-1 rout at the hands of champions Real Madrid recently.

That defeat followed by the Sociedad hammering forced Deportivo to think beyond Parralo to stay in the fray of the top flight of the Spanish League.

According to insiders, Seedorf was not the club's primary target.

Initially, they turned to Uruguayan veteran Martin Lasarte, a former defender at Estadio Riazor, although he rejected their offer.

Then Pachuca boss Diego Alonso was also considered before it emerged that licensing issues may prevent him from managing in Europe, forcing Deportivo officials to turn to to Seedorf.

Deportivo's next match in the La Liga is a home fixture against Real Betis on February 13.