MADRID, Oct 6 — Struggling La Liga side Sevilla sacked coach Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday after they were thumped 4-1 at home by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, the club announced.

The record six-times Europa League winners continued their poor start to the campaign, having won only one match in all competitions so far this season.

"Thanks to all the people and players who have given me wonderful things here in Seville,” Lopetegui told Movistar Plus after the loss on Wednesday, but before the team had officially announced his dismissal.

"I am sad to leave a team that I love very much. I also thank the Sevilla fans, who have to understand it and appreciate the support.

"I have already said goodbye to the players. It is not time to talk about being disrespected. I’m thankful for all that I have achieved in this club.”

Lopetegui, who was in tears, received a standing ovation at the end of the game from the fans, who were chanting that the board should resign.

It was widely reported by Spanish media earlier on Wednesday that Sevilla had a deal in place with former Olympique de Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli to take over for a second stint at the club and that Lopetegui already knew that he was going to be sacked before the game.

Sevilla are 17th in the LaLiga standings on five points, one above the relegation zone, their worst start to a league season since being promoted back to the top-flight in 2001.

The club’s board is facing questions from angry fans who had high expectations after they finished last season in fourth place having battled with Real Madrid for the title for most of the campaign.

"Sevilla FC have dismissed Julen Lopetegui as coach of the first team after the clash against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday,” the club said in a statement on their website.

"Lopetegui closes a successful stage with three magnificent campaigns in which the objectives were more than achieved and a fourth season in which, however, the results have not been on track, with Sevilla FC adding five points out of a possible 21 in La Liga.”

Lopetegui led Sevilla to a record-extending sixth Europa League title in 2020. — Reuters