Madrid, Dec 22 (IANS): Struggling Liga Santander side UD Las Palmas confirmed Paco Jemez as their fourth coach of the current season.

The former Cruz Azul and Rayo Vallecano boss replaces Paquito Ortiz, who had been in charge on a temporary basis following the sacking of Paco Ayestaran at the end of November, reports Xinhua news agency.

Jemez takes over with Las Palmas bottom of the league with just 11 points from 17 games, but currently just four points from safety, despite losing 2-0 in Getafe on Wednesday night.

He has a reputation for open attacking football and although his sides tend to ship goals, they usually win enough games to avoid relegation.

His last coaching experience in Spain ended in failure after he was sacked after less than two months in charge of Granada (who ended up being relegated) at the start of the 2016-17 season.

Speaking to the Las Palmas website, Jemez said he was avoiding relegation as "a personal challenge."