Atletico Madrid have sacked coach Gregorio Manzano.

Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Real Betis left the Rojiblancos 10th in the standings heading into La Liga's winter break, while they crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night at the hands of third-tier Albacete.

A club statement this afternoon read: "Atletico Madrid have agreed to relieve Gregorio Manzano of his duties. The executive committee met on Thursday in Madrid and have taken the decision.

"The Atletico Madrid executive committee unanimously decided to dismiss Gregorio Manzano as coach of the first team.

"This decision has been communicated to the technician, with whom an agreement has been reached for the termination of his contract.

"Atletico Madrid also thanked Gregorio Manzano for the work done and wished him well for the future.

"The club will now focus on the hiring of a coach to lead the first team."