February 28, 2017, 2:37 PM
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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