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Pepe Mel's Betis reign comes to an end

Monday, December 2, 2013

Real Betis Balompié, already through to the UEFA Europa League round of 32, have parted company with coach Pepe Mel following a poor start to the domestic campaign.

Pepe Mel leaves Betis bottom of the Liga standings
Pepe Mel leaves Betis bottom of the Liga standings ©Getty Images

Real Betis Balompié have parted company with coach Pepe Mel after a disappointing opening to their 2013/14 Liga campaign left Los Verdiblancos bottom of the domestic standings.

Despite leading the Seville-based side into the UEFA Europa League round of 32 with a game to spare, Mel has overseen just two victories in 15 Liga outings this season, most recently a 2-2 weekend draw at home to Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. The 50-year-old former Real Madrid CF youth team striker guided Betis to top-flight promotion in 2011 and a seventh-place finish last term earned a European spot.

An official statement from the club read: "[We] would like to thank the coach for his commitment and dedication in leading the team from the second division to European competition over the past few years." Betis conclude their UEFA Europa League Group I campaign at home to HNK Rijeka on 12 December, when a win could take them top.

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