Odisha FC sacked their head coach Kiko Ramirez with immediate effect and appointed Kino Garcia as his interim replacement at the halfway stage of the Indian Super League on Friday.
The club have managed just two wins in their last seven matches and slipped to ninth place in the 11-team league. But with seven points separating the top nine teams, Odisha FC still have a chance to book a last-four berth.
"Odisha FC has terminated Head Coach Kiko Ramirez's contract. This has been a very difficult decision and not one that the club owners and management have taken lightly," the club said in a statement.
"After lengthy deliberation and consideration amongst the club's technical committee, it was decided a change is needed now to give the Club time to improve performances and results this season.
"The Club would like to thank Kiko for his efforts and wish him the best for the future. The Club shall make further announcements in due course."
Garcia, who served as the assistant coach of the club, will be taking over the duties of the head coach from Odisha's next game which is against NorthEast United FC on Tuesday.
"Odisha FC would like to confirm the appointment of Kino Garcia as the interim Head Coach," the club stated in a media release.
Garcia, who has a UEFA Pro License, comes with a lot of experience in developing players and is a former coach at Valencia CF's youth teams.
He has also directed the Valencia CF Academy in Seoul and coached Levante UD in the first division of women's football in Spain for several seasons. He is also the Director of Coaches in Valencia, working for the Spanish Federation.