Valencia fire Djukic

Valencia have fired coach Miroslav Djukic, the La Liga club have announced at a press conference.

The former Valencia player only took the reins at Mestalla in June, succeeding Ernesto Valverde.

Yet Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Atletico Madrid, which left Valencia ninth in La Liga with eight defeats from 16 matches, prompted the club’s board to take action.

Addressing the media on Monday, president Amadeo Salvo said: “The motive of this press conference is to announce on behalf of the Valencia board of directors the unanimous termination of Miroslav Djukic.

“It’s a tough day for everyone. After a start where (we) had a lot of confidence, we are not in a postiive place, but football has these kinds of situations.”

Youth coach Nico Estevez has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs.