Sevilla sack Berizzo a week after return from cancer operation

Sevilla sacked coach Eduardo Berizzo on Friday following a run of poor results, with the Argentine departing a week after he returned to work following an operation to treat prostate cancer. "Sevilla FC would like to express its gratitude to Berizzo for his professionalism, the work he has delivered and his treatment of all the members of the club since his arrival," the club said in a statement announcing the dismissal.

José Castro: "Hay momentos en los que hay que tomar estas decisiones para la entidad"

➡ https://t.co/WvN5bkI3za pic.twitter.com/UgvVAnQlgB

— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) December 22, 2017

The Liga side added that discussions had already begun to appoint a new manager, who is expected to join the club after the winter break. According to reports in the Spanish media, former Malaga and Rubin Kazan coach Javi Gracia is the favourite to succeed Berizzo, while former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique's name has also been mentioned.

El #SevillaFC destituye a Eduardo Berizzo

➡ https://t.co/T8qyISYcLv pic.twitter.com/M5VflLRyGK

— Sevilla Fútbol Club (@SevillaFC) December 22, 2017

Sevilla are without a win in their last four games in all competitions and lost 3-1 at Real Sociedad on Wednesday to stay fifth in the Liga standings on 29 points, 13 behind leaders Barcelona. The club, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, came second in Champions League Group E behind Liverpool and will face Manchester United in the last 16.

Arsenal target Steven N'Zonzi's future hangs in the balance after Sevilla sack Eduardo Berizzohttps://t.co/VTPPaQDTph pic.twitter.com/zY1MoV0Pp0

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) December 22, 2017

News of Berizzo's cancer diagnosis came the morning after Sevilla's thrilling 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool in the Champions League group stage on Nov. 21. He underwent surgery seven days later and was forced to miss four games, including a 5-0 defeat at Real Madrid. Berizzo was given a rapturous reception from supporters at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan stadium when he returned to the dugout for last Friday's 0-0 draw at home to Levante.

Sevilla sack cancer-stricken coach Berizzo https://t.co/AebaUZv49k pic.twitter.com/54X1FMWRQ7

— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) December 22, 2017

He came in for considerable criticism in the Spanish media, however, following the 3-1 loss at Real Sociedad. The 48-year-old faced questions about his team selection and his marginalising of midfielder Steven Nzonzi, who has not featured since the draw with Liverpool. Berizzo was named Sevilla coach in June after Jorge Sampaoli left the club to take charge of Argentina. He had been in charge of Celta Vigo for the previous three seasons.

Sevilla have sacked Eduardo Berizzo, just a week after he returned to the dugout following cancer surgery ? pic.twitter.com/9RFL3Atq9p

— UNILAD Football (@UNILADFooty) December 22, 2017