Las Palmas confirm dismissal of head coach Pako Ayestaran

Las Palmas have announced the sacking of head coach Pako Ayestaran just two months after his arrival at the struggling La Liga club.

The 54-year-old was appointed by the Canary Islands outfit on September 27, replacing Manuel Marquez, who also lasted only two months.

However, Ayestaran could not turn around Las Palmas's fortunes and was dismissed following a run of seven defeats in nine games in all competitions.

The club made the announcement in a statement on their website after the 3-2 defeat at home to Deportivo La Coruna in the Copa del Rey, even though they still reached the last 16 of the tournament 6-4 on aggregate.

Las Palmas also confirmed that assistant coaches Paquito Ortiz and Rafa Cristobal would take charge of the team until a replacement was announced.

Paco Jemez, who has recently quit as manager of Mexican side Cruz Azul, is believed to be in the frame to take over at the club, currently 19th in the table and five points off safety.