Juan Carlos Garrido has been sacked as coach of Spanish league strugglers Villarreal following their elimination from the Kings Cup at the hands of second division Mirandes.
Garrido said he has accepted the decision and was expecting the axe to fall as Villarreal endure one of their most dismal seasons in recent years.
Villarreal are languishing in 17th spot in Spain's La Liga and exited the Champions League after finishing bottom of Group A with no points.
Albacete beat La Liga strugglers Atletico Madrid 1-0 to reach the last 16 with a 3-1 aggregate victory. Atletico coach Gregorio Manzano could be next to leave, as he was already expected to be fired.
Zaragoza coach exited the tournament as well after a 3-1 overall loss to Alcorcon, the team that knocked Real Madrid out at this stage two years ago.