La Liga strugglers Almeria have sacked coach Juan Ignacio Martinez after just four months in charge.

The Andalusians were thrashed 4-1 at home by relegation rivals Levante 4-1 on Saturday to leave them rooted in the relegation zone.

"Almeria have decided to sack Juan Ignacio Martinez as the club's first team coach as a result of the teams recent results," said a statement on the club's website.

Martinez was only hired in December after his predecessor Francisco had also been sacked.

The former Levante and Valladolid boss managed five wins in 17 games in charge, but Almeria hadn't won in their last seven games stretching back to early February.

Youth team coach Miguel Rivera will take temporary charge of the team as he did for the 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid earlier in the campaign.

The club also face being hit with the deduction of three points by FIFA for failing to pay transfer fees owed to foreign clubs, although Almeria are appealing that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.