Even though the technical change is yet to be officially announced, Atletico chairman Enrique Cerezo declared in an interview with Cadena Ser radio that Resino will be the team's new coach.

"We have chosen Abel because we believe he is the right solution for the current situation," Cerezo said.

Atletico failed to win in their last five Primera Liga games, which saw them slipping to seventh place in the table.

Subsequently, Aguirre, who has been in charge at Vicente Calderon since 2006, agreed to terminate his contract after two-and-a-half years.

The Mexican guided Atletico to fourth place in the league last term, securing a UEFA Champions League spot this season.

Now ex-Spain international Resino is handed the responsibility of leading the Madrid club in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Throughout this season, the former Atletico goalkeeper was in charge of second division side Castellon, who are currently sixth in Liga Adelante.

Atletico will face Portuguese champions Porto in the last 16 phase of the Champions League, with the first leg scheduled for February 24th at Calderon.