Garitano was promoted from youth-team coach on January 14 - a day after Victor Fernandez's departure - but has resigned for personal reasons.

"My decision, surprising as it may seem, is only and exclusively because of personal reasons," he said. "Strictly personal.

"I don't feel mentally strong to face the challenge.

"I prefer that another person comes in because the team needs someone who is mentally 100%.

"I don't want to go into it further, I don't feel as if I'm in the right state for the job. I have an important reason and I hope everyone respects that.

"I haven't had any problems and I ask you to respect my decision, the best for the club.

"I don't know if it's the same for me, but that doesn't worry me because I only want the team to be strong and I don't want to damage the club."

Earlier reports in Spain had suggested Garitano quit after requests to offload Andres D'Alessandro in the January transfer window and bring in a new central defender were refused.

But the 38-year-old rubbished rumours of a rift with Zaragoza president Eduardo Bandres and majority shareholder Agapito Iglesias.

"I do not agree with any of the rumours which are unfair and against the leaders of the club who have offered me their support," added Garitano.

"I only have words of gratitude for them and I would ask you to give them maximum respect.

"I accepted the post without any demands about the squad, which I consider sufficiently capable of giving the best.

"My idea was to make use of each and every one of the resources of those involved, without exception, to move forward."

Garitano's first game in charge of Zaragoza saw them eliminated from the Copa del Rey but they recorded a 3-1 over Real Murcia on Sunday - the team's first victory since October.

Garitano spent six years as a player at the club before becoming a youth-team coach.