Espanyol coach Javier Aguirre insisted he "never had any doubt" he would continue in his role after agreeing a one-year contract extension.
The 54-year-old Mexican arrived in Barcelona last November with the club bottom of the Primera Division standings, and guided his team to a 13th-placed finish.
"The day-to-day dealings with (sporting director) Oscar Perarnau and (president) Joan Collet helped me," Aguirre told the club website after his extension was announced Wednesday.
"Every day convinced me. I knew we were in good hands, and just crossed my fingers that the results arrived. I never had any doubt that I would continue."
The former Mexico, Osasuna, Atletico Madrid and Real Zaragoza boss added: "If the club had not offered the renewal, I would have understood. When I was hired we had a goal (to stay up) and I would have understood."
