Football: Deportivo la Coruna fire manager Pepe Mel after poor run of form

Deportivo La Coruna have fired head coach Pepe Mel, after the team's loss on Monday left them languishing just two points above the relegation zone. PHOTO: AFP

Madrid (AFP) - Former West Bromwich Albion manager Pepe Mel was sacked by Deportivo la Coruna on Tuesday (Oct 24) after just eight months in charge.

Appointed in late February, Mel managed to keep the Galicians in LaLiga last season, but Monday's 2-1 home defeat to Girona left Deportivo in 16th, just two points above the relegation zone.

"The board of directors of Real Club Deportivo has decided to rescind the contract of Pepe Mel as coach of the team," Deportivo said in a statement.

"Cristobal Parralo, coach of RC Deportivo Fabril (Deportivo's youth team), will take over until the end of the season."

Mel becomes already the fourth managerial change in LaLiga this season with Alaves and Villarreal sacking Luis Zubeldia and Fran Escriba respectively last month.

Manuel Marquez also resigned as Las Palmas coach after just six games in charge.

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