Relegation-wary Deportivo La Coruna hires coach Pepe Mel

Deportivo La Coruna has hired former Real Betis coach Pepe Mel to try to avoid relegation in the Spanish league (Rui Vieira/AP)

MADRID — Deportivo La Coruna has hired former Real Betis coach Pepe Mel to try to avoid relegation in the Spanish league.

Deportivo says Pepe Mel signed a contract to the end of the season.

He replaces Gaizka Garitano, who was fired after the 4-0 loss at newcomer Leganes on Saturday.

Pepe Mel hasn’t been coaching since leaving Betis last year.

The 54-year-old former striker had a brief stint in the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion in 2014.

Deportivo has lost four games in a row and hasn’t won in seven rounds. Its last victory was against last-place Osasuna in December.

The league champion in 2000, Deportivo is only one spot above the relegation zone.

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