Atletico Madrid sack Gregorio Manzano

Atletico Madrid have sacked manager Gregorio Manzano after six months in charge.

Atletico, who are currently tenth in the La Liga table, suffered an embarrassing Copa del Rey exit on Wednesday night with a defeat at home to second division Albacete.

"The Executive Committee of Atletico Madrid, meeting today to discuss the sporting situation, unanimously decided to dismiss Gregorio Manzano as first team coach," read a statement on the club's website.

"This decision has been communicated to the technician, with whom we reached an agreement for the termination of his contract.

"Atletico Madrid thanks Gregorio Manzano for the work done and wishes him well for the future."

Manzano had previously managed the side from 2003 to 2004.