Real Sociedad sack Lasarte

Real Sociedad have sacked coach Martin Lasarte despite avoiding relegation from La Liga at the weekend.

“Real Sociedad have informed Martin Lasarte today that he will not be continuing as first-team coach next season,” the club said in a statement on their website.

“Real Sociedad want to publicly thank Martin Lasarte for the work he has done and the professionalism he has shown at our club during these two seasons, and at the same time wish him the best of success, both professionally and personally, in the future.”

Uruguayan Lasarte, 50, brought Sociedad back up to the top flight last season when they finished top of the second division. He still had a year left on his contract.

They ended the latest campaign fighting to avoid the drop and a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Getafe on Saturday left them sixth from bottom on 45 points, two above relegated Deportivo Coruna.

Early favourite to replace Lasarte is Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, who guided Chile to last year’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

Sevilla are also believed to be interested in Bielsa as a replacement for the recently sacked Gregorio Manzano.