MADRID, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- La Liga's bottom club Real Valladolid on Monday announced the sacking of head coach Diego Cocca, replacing him with B-team coach and former player Alvaro Rubio.
The news comes 24 hours after Valladolid was thumped 4-0 at home by Sevilla in La Liga, with the result leaving the club bottom of the table with 15 points from 24 games.
"I apologize: I feel embarrassed by what we say today on the pitch. We try to give the team order and a plan, but there are no excuses with a 4-0 defeat. I am standing up to be counted and I feel embarrassed," commented the coach after Sunday's defeat.
The Argentinian, who had never coached in Europe, replaced Paulo Pezzolano, who was sacked on December 1, but his time in charge has lasted just eight games, with seven of those in La Liga bringing just three points from a possible 21, while Valladolid was knocked out of the Copa del Rey away to third-tier Ourense.
Cocca's only win as Valladolid coach was at home to Real Betis on January 11.
"The club wants to thank Cocca and his technical staff for their efforts and we wish them the best in their new personal and professional lives," commented Valladolid in a communique.
Rubio had previously taken temporary charge of Valladolid for three games between Pezzolano's sacking and Cocca's arrival, guiding them to two wins and a defeat. ■
