Brest axe Dupont

Struggling Brest have sacked coach Alex Dupont ahead of Sunday's crunch Ligue 1 clash at basement side Auxerre.

A run of six defeats in their last seven games has left Brest 18th in the table with 33 points, one point from safety. They have five games to secure their safety. The decision, while made with a heavy heart, was taken to ensure Brest have the best possible chance of retaining their top-flight status, the club said in a statement. Sports director Corentin Martins will take charge on an interim basis. Dupont joined Brest in 2009 and led the club to promotion the following year. The club finished 16th in their first season back in Ligue 1.