Official: Espanyol sack Quique

Espanyol have sacked Coach Quique Sanchez Flores after five games without a win or goal.

Sanchez Flores was heavily linked with the Stoke City vacancy in January, but despite sticking with Espanyol, a run of only two wins in their last 15 League games has seen the Catalans plummet to 16th in the table.

“RCD Espanyol report that Jordi Lardin and Quique Sanchez Flores have been relieved from their duties as sporting director and Coach of the first team respectively,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

“The club have made this decision as a result of the sporting performance of the first team and with the clear will to face the remaining games of the current season and preparation of the 2018-19 campaign in the best condition.”

The 53-year-old took charge of Los Periquitos in the summer of 2016, barely weeks after he left Premier League side Watford.

Sanchez Flores’ appointment was also the first by Chinese owners Rastar Group, and he led the side to an impressive 8th last season.

However, the former Getafe and Valencia boss had come under fire for what Espanyol fans perceived to be an increasingly-defensive style of play.

Joining him out of Cornella-El Prat are his backroom staff and former Spain winger Lardin, who had been back at the club in a non-playing capacity since 2012, prior to being promoted to sporting director last year.

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