Lucas Alcaraz believes he can lead Granada back up the La Liga table after being appointed as the club’s coach for a third time.

Paco Jemez was sacked last week with Granada bottom of the table and they currently have just two points from their opening seven games.

That represents Granada’s worst start to a season for 72 years and prompted the return of Alcaraz, who first managed the Andalusians as a 29-year-old after his playing days at the club.

Now 50, Alcaraz will bid to keep his home-town club in the top-flight after signing a deal until the end of the season.

“It will be a difficult year for us, there is no doubt about that, but we are determined to succeed in meeting our objectives,” he told a press conference after taking his first training session yesterday.

“I know that if I’m here it is because the season has been difficult. The club have called me because they think I can do it, and I also think I can do it.

“This team needs a lot of understanding and a lot of help. We need the support of the best fans in Spain.

“If we are together I am convinced we can succeed.”

Alcaraz’s appointment was confirmed by Granada on Monday night with Lluis Planaguma returning to his role as Granada ‘B’ team boss.

Planaguma was handed temporary charge for the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to promoted Leganes.