Getafe sacks manager Fran Escriba

MADRID - La Liga struggler Getafe has sacked coach Fran Escriba after a 12-game winless run saw the team slip into the relegation zone with just six games remaining.

"Fran Escriba is no longer the coach of Getafe," the club said in a statement on Monday. "The club thanks his work for this institution and we wish him the best in his professional future."

The club has yet to name Escriba's successor, but Madrid sports daily Marca reported former midfielder Javier Casquero is set to be put in charge for the rest of the season.

Getafe is two points from safety and faces the daunting task of a visit from Real Madrid on Saturday.