La Liga side Espanyol have parted ways with first team coach Abelardo Fernandez, with the club mired in a relegation battle.
The Catalan giants confirmed the news through an official statement earlier today, with sporting director Francisco Rufete taking over on a temporary basis until the end of the season.
COMUNICAT OFICIAL | Rufete es farà càrrec del primer equip fins a final de temporada: https://t.co/Nr8rXOJZ76
COMUNICADO OFICIAL | Rufete asume el mando del primer equipo hasta final de temporada: https://t.co/Hqm1bfqZ6A#EspanyoldeBarcelona | #RCDE pic.twitter.com/s53FLeX6x7
— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) June 27, 2020
Espanyol have endured a torrid time in the 2019-20 campaign, with Pablo Machin replacing boss David Gallego in October 2019, and former Barcelona defender Abelardo taking over in December.
The club returned to action earlier this month with a 2-0 home win over Alaves, however that was followed by a draw at Getafe and defeats to Levante and Real Betis.
Rufete comes in with the club rooted to the bottom of the La Liga table, eight points away from top-flight safety, with seven games to play.
The former Spanish international faces a tough test in his opening game in charge, as Real Madrid head to the RCDE Stadium this weekend.
