Madrid, Jan 19 (IANS): Spanish football club Sporting Gijon has appointed Joan Francesc Ferrer 'Rubi' as the replacement for coach Fernando Abelardo.

Abelardo resigned on Tuesday with Sporting third from bottom of the table with just 12 points from 18 matches, reports Xinhua news agency.

"The situation is difficult, but we have got the team to do it," said Rubi at his presentation on Wednesday, adding that the players would "have to work hard."

Rubi joined Sporting after working with Levante last season and although he was able to save the Valencia based side from the drop, he did lead to an improvement in their play.

"We are in a difficult situation but there is time to save the situation, although we have to start getting points as soon as possible," he said.

"My style of play will have to adapt to the players we have, but today, we have to work at all aspects of the game," Ferrer, who will make his debut when Sporting travel to face Betis on Sunday, said.