Malaga have sacked manager Antonio Tapia following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Espanyol.

It was the club's fourth straight league defeat, their seventh in nine matches, and saw them sink to the bottom of La Liga.

Tapia had been in charge for a little over a year having replaced Gregorio Manzano last January.

He masterminded the club's escape from serious relegation trouble last term and enjoyed a steady start to this campaign.

However, in recent weeks his side have hit a terrible run of form culminating in yet another defeat last weekend.

The Costa del Sol outfit have already been linked with a number of possible replacements, with former Spanish international Michel and Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez both strongly tipped.

A decision is expected in the near future with the club desperate to try and turn around their fortunes.