Oltra dumped as Almeria coach

Almeria have sacked coach Jose Luis Oltra as the club desperately tries to avoid relegation from the Spanish top flight.

Almeria are bottom of the La Liga standings with eight games to play this season, three points behind their nearest rivals and four short of the safety of 17th place.

The club slumped to a 3-1 loss at home to Athletic Bilbao on Monday, and have won just one of their past eight league games.

Alberto Benito, the club’s sporting director, confirmed Oltra’s sacking after Tuesday morning’s training session at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos, as Almeria begin the search for their third manager this season.

Oltra was handed the job in November, following the sacking of Juan Manuel Lillo in the wake of their 8-0 mauling at home by Barcelona on November 20.

Oltra, 42, was at the helm for 18 league games for only four wins, although the club did make it to the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey during his reign, losing out 8-0 on aggregate to Barcelona.

”The club took this decision in the understanding that a change is needed in the team dynamic as there are still chances to achieve safety, which at the moment is four points away,” a club statement read.

”Jose Luis Oltra, who UD Almeria thank for his work and professionalism, will bid farewell to the squad on Wednesday morning.”