Cúper parts company with Betis

Héctor Cúper has parted company with Real Betis Balompié after the club suffered their fourth Primera División defeat in five outings on Sunday, losing 2-0 at home to Club Atlético de Madrid.

Poor form
The 52-year-old Argentinian departs just five months into the job, having returned to coaching after a year-and-a half break following his tenure at RCD Mallorca. The former FC Internazionale Milano and Valencia CF man guided Betis to only two wins in 14 Spanish league outings, however, and leaves with the side second from bottom in the standings. The Seville club said in an official statement: "After meeting, the Real Betis Balompié board has informed Héctor Cúper of its decision not to continue with him at the helm. Mr Cúper has shown himself to be a gentleman in every sense but results have triggered his departure."

Chaparro appointed
Betis reserve coach Francisco Chaparro will take over first-team duties and his immediate task will be to lift the Andalusian outfit out of the relegation zone. The 65-year-old has had success with such an assignment before, having replaced Luis Fernández for the final game of last term. He guided a team that had not won in 13 previous matches to the victory they needed against Real Racing Club Santander to avoid the drop.