Villarreal fires coach Fran Escriba after team’s poor start

The result left Villarreal in 14th place in the 20-team standings with seven points. (Source: AP)

Villarreal has fired coach Fran Escriba after the team’s disappointing start in the Spanish league.

The announcement comes a day after Villarreal’s 4-0 loss at Getafe, the team’s third defeat in six league games. The result left Villarreal in 14th place in the 20-team standings with seven points.

Villarreal opened with two losses but appeared to be recovering with two wins and a draw. It also won its opening Europa League game, against Astana. It plays its second match at Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday.

Escriba’s assistants also were let go by Villarreal. The 52-year-old Escriba is the second top-flight coach to lose his job this season, following the dismissal of Luis Zubeldia by last-place Alaves last week.

Villarreal said a new coach would be announced shortly.