Zaragoza part ways with Aguirre

La Liga strugglers Real Zaragoza have announced they have sacked manager Javier Aguirre.

The former Atletico Madrid and Osasuna coach, 53, had been under increasing pressure, following a disastrous run which has seen the club go winless in all competitions since October 17.

“Real Zaragoza would like to thank the professionalism and dedication shown by Javier Aguirre during the time in which he coached the team,” a club statement read.

“However, the situation the team are going through called for an urgent change of direction, which is why this agreement has been reached.”

Mexican Aguirre arrived at Zaragoza in November 2010 to replace Jose Aurelio Gay, leading the Aragonese outfit to a 13th-placed finish in La Liga.

But with just 10 points from 16 matches, Zaragoza now sit at the foot of the table and are five points away from safety.

AS claims Spain Under-20 coach Luis Milla and former Getafe trainer Michel are frontrunners in the race to replace Aguirre.