Atletico Madrid coach Cesar Ferrando has been sacked, the Primera Liga club announced on Tuesday.

Ferrando joined Atletico from Albacete last June on a one-year contract, which was extended by another 12 months in November, but having falied to lead the club into Europe this season.

“Ferrando gave everything, but the most logical thing was for him not to continue at the club,” Atletico director of sport Toni Munoz stated.

“The only thing I have are words of praise for him, we worked very closely and had a good relationship.”

Atletico are now expected to move for Argentine coach Carlos Bianchi, but did reveal that they have two names on their short-list. Other candidates are Osasuna boss Javier Aguirre and Deportivo La Coruna’s Javier Irureta.