Villarreal fire coach Setien after poor La Liga start

Villarreal have fired coach Quique Setien a day after the team lost three of their first four matches in the Spanish league.

The club made the decision early in the two-week break for international games, with director of football Miguel Angel Tena taking over on an interim basis.

Setien took charge of Villarreal in October after the departure of Unai Emery to English club Aston Villa, guiding the team nicknamed The Yellow Submarine to a fifth-place finish and a spot in this season’s Europa League.

Villarreal have opened the season with losses to Real Betis, Barcelona and most recently Cadiz. The only win came at Mallorca.

Villarreal thanked Setien, who has previously coached Barcelona, for taking charge “in a complicated situation” last season and promoting many youngsters to the first team.

Under Setien Villarreal finished fifth in LaLiga, lost in the Copa del Rey last 16 to Real Madrid and at the same stage of the UEFA Conference League against Anderlecht.

“The club highlights Setien’s great professionalism and commitment and appreciates him for having taken command in a complicated situation last season,” Villarreal said.

“Under the Cantabrian coach, the team had a great season, promoting many young players from the youth team, and qualified for the UEFA Europa League after reaching fifth place in LaLiga.

“Villarreal CF would like to thank Setien for his work and involvement and wish him the best of luck in his sporting career.”