Espanyol hire new coach Constantin Galca, fire Gonzalez

MADRID (AP) - Espanyol has appointed Constantin Galca as its new coach until the end of the season.

The Romanian replaces Sergio Gonzalez who was fired earlier Monday after a string of poor results that has left Espanyol 12th in the Spanish league and just three points outside the relegation zone.

The club said Galca will be presented to fans late Monday after leading his first training session with the squad.

Galca will be accompanied by club president Joan Collet and sporting director Oscar Perarnau, "who will explain the details of this new stage" the club said in a statement.

The club said Gonzalez was leaving after guiding Espanyol to 22 wins, 14 draws and 26 defeats, adding "Sergio Gonzalez, thank you and goodbye!"