Celta sack Benitez in bid to avoid Liga drop

Celta Vigo sacked coach Rafa Benitez on Tuesday after a string of bad results, with the Galicians 17th in La Liga, two points above the relegation zone.

"Rafa Benitez and his technical team have left Celta after eight months of hard work and dedication, but the team has not achieved the results hoped for by the club," said Celta in a statement.

Former Liverpool and Chelsea coach Benitez's last game at the helm was a 4-0 thrashing by another of his previous sides, Real Madrid, on Sunday.

Celta have just five victories in 28 league matches this season with just one win in their last five.

The club have not yet appointed a replacement but Spanish media report reserve team coach Claudio Giraldez is likely to take over.

Benitez had been appointed by Celta last summer on a three-year deal.