MADRID, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Real Sociedad dismissed coach Sergio Francisco on Sunday after only 16 matches, naming B team boss Ion Ansotegi as caretaker.

The decision came after Friday's 2-1 home loss to Girona, which left the club on 16 points from 16 matches and sitting just one point clear of the relegation zone.

"Real Sociedad has decided, with effect from today, to sack Sergio Francisco from his functions," said the club which also noted his long service in the youth setup and his role in guiding the B team to promotion to Spain's second division last season.

Francisco took charge in the summer after Imanol Alguacil stepped down, but he opened the campaign with one win in the first nine league games. A brief rebound followed, with three wins and a draw, including victories over Athletic Club and Osasuna.

That momentum faded after a stoppage-time defeat to Villarreal, a 1-0 derby loss to Alaves, and Friday's setback to Girona.

Real Sociedad ends 2025 with a Copa del Rey trip to third-tier Eldense and a league meeting with fellow struggler Levante, before hosting Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona and visiting Getafe early in the new year. ■