体坛英语新闻：Espanyol sacks coach Marquez

MADRID, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Primera Liga club Espanyol took the decision to sack their coach Bartolome "Tintin" Marquez late on Sunday night.

    The 46-year-old lasted just 13 games as Espanyol first team coach after replacing Ernesto Valverde during the summer. However, despite a positive start to the season, Espanyol have had a disappointing campaign to date.

Espanyol's coach Bartolome Marquez reacts against Villarreal during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Lluis Companys stadium in Barcelona Oct. 18, 2008.

The Barcelona based side won their opening two Primera Liga matches, raising hopes of a push for a place in Europe, but a dreadful run of just one win in the last 11 matches has ended those hopes.

    This Sunday saw Espanyol lose 1-0 at home to recently promoted Sporting Gijon in what had widely been reported to be Martin's last chance to save his job.

    The Espanyol fans booed their players off the pitch and barely four hours later the club President Daniel Sanchez Llibre announced Marquez's departure.

    Llibre announced he hoped to name Marquez's replacement on Wednesday