Madrid, Feb 26 (IANS): Spanish football club Getafe were stunned Thursday when coach Quique Sanchez Flores resigned after just 11 games in-charge.

Former Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Benfica coach Quique had returned to Getafe for his second spell in January after Cosmin Contra left to coach Chinese club Guangzhou and had been moderately successful since his return with the team winning four, drawing one and losing six matches, although he took over a club that was short on confidence. Getafe's performances had picked up over the past three weeks, reports Xinhua.

Nevertheless, Flores released a communique, just two days ahead of his side's important trip to Malaga.

"I am communicating my decision to end as Getafe coach. It is a personal decision which is the product of a reflection which is vital to not repeat situations which in their own time made me unhappy. This is the best decision and the best way to dignify my profession and maintain my self-respect," he said.

Getafe will now have to look for their third coach of the season.