Lowly Espanyol part company with Pochettino

Bottom of the table after three straight Liga defeats, RCD Espanyol have sought a change in fortunes by relieving 40-year-old coach Mauricio Pochettino of his duties with immediate effect.

"I have enjoyed my time here but I have spent many years in the world of football and I know that every coach has an expiration date," said the former Argentinian international, who made over 250 appearances for the Barcelona-based club. "I sincerely hope that things will be different because this group of people deserve it."

Pochettino took over as coach in January 2009 and led the team away from the relegation zone, while three consecutive mid-table finishes followed before this season's struggles.

Espanyol begin life without Pochettino on Wednesday when they host Sevilla FC in the second leg of their Copa del Rey round of 16 tie, seeking to overturn a 3-1 deficit.