Madrid, Jan 15 (IANS): Sevilla football club confirmed the decision to sack coach Michel Gonzalez following a poor first half of the season, replacing him with former Valencia manager Unai Emery.

Michel, who has previously coached Getafe, Real Madrid's B-team and Rayo Vallecano, paid the price for a poor opening 19 matches in which his side took just 22 points, reports Xinhua.

Sevilla are currently just six points above the relegation zone, when the club's ambition this season was to be challenging for a place in the top four or at least the top six.

This season has seen Michel's side win just six games while losing nine, scoring just 23 goals.

Michel joined the club midway through last season, replacing Marcelino Garcia.

But the club's performances was not enough to take them into Europe. Hopes were high this season.

However, this has not been the case. After a poor display in a 0-2 defeat against Valencia Saturday, Michel and his players were booed by fans during Monday's training session.

Former Valencia and Spartak Moscow coach Unai Emery was confirmed as Michel's replacement by the club Monday. At the same time, they announced Michel had been relieved of his job.