Sevilla sack Marcelino

Sevilla have parted company with coach Marcelino Garcia Toral following a disappointing run of results. Marcelino, who took charge last summer following the departure of Gregorio Manzano, leaves with Sevilla 11th in the standings and just four points above the relegation zone. The Andalusian side had picked up just two points from their last seven games, and on Sunday were beaten 2-1 at home by relegation-threatened Villarreal. A statement on the Sevilla website read: "Sevilla have taken the decision this morning to dismiss the first team coach Marcelino Garcia Toral owing to the negative run of results by the team, with seven matches without a victory, during which time only two points have been won. "The decision was taken after the president, Jose Maria del Nido, and sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Monchi met with the coach to evaluate the sporting situation. Soon after the meeting Monchi communicated to the coach the decision taken. Sevilla want to publicly thank Marcelino for his professionalism and work, and regret having to have taken a drastic decision due to the results." The 46-year-old Marcelino took charge of Sevilla on an initial one-year contract last June after the club opted not to renew Manzano's contract. Manzano led Sevilla to a fifth-placed finish in La Liga and a spot in this season's Europa League, but the club have already been eliminated from that competition after being knocked out by Hannover in the play-off round. Marcelino guided Racing Santander to a 12th-placed finish last term during his second spell in charge of the Cantabrian club having replaced the sacked Miguel Angel Portugal in February. Marcelino has also been in charge of Sporting Gijon, Recreativo Huelva and Real Zaragoza. Sevilla have not yet named a replacement but former Getafe coach Michel is being linked with the post in the Spanish press.