Sunday was the final straw for Villareal, although the club’s subsequent coaching change was a bit surprising.
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Following the club’s 4-0 defeat at Getafe, Villareal announced that the team has sacked manager Fran Escriba. The 52-year-old managed the Spanish side from August 2016 until Sunday’s match, recording 26 wins during that span.
“Villarreal have decided to end the contract of Fran Escriba as coach of the first team,” read a statement from the club.
“The club would like to thank the coach for his work and dedication.”
Villareal has promoted reserve team boss Javi Calleja to interim manager, with the 39-year-old a former player at the club from 1999 to 2006. Since retiring from soccer in 2012, Calleja has managed several youth teams at Villareal, and most recently, Villareal B.
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The Yellow Submarine currently sits on seven points through its opening six matches, which leaves the club in ninth place in La Liga.