Former Reading boss Veljko Paunovic has been sacked as head coach of LaLiga new boys Real Oviedo.

The Serbian is the first managerial casualty in Spain’s top flight this season, with Oviedo 17th in the table having collected six points from their eight league games.

Veljko Paunovic was relieved of his duties at Real Oviedo on Thursday morningCredit: Getty

His last game in charge was Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to fellow promoted side Levante – their sixth loss in the league this term.

Paunovic, a former Oviedo player, took over as boss in March and helped guide the club to a third-placed finish in the second-tier before securing promotion for the first time in 24 years through the play-offs.

A club statement on Thursday morning read: “Real Oviedo has decided to terminate Veljko Paunovic’s contract as head coach of the first team.

“The Blues coach, with a contract until June 30, 2026, is no longer the coach of the team as of this moment.

“Similarly, the coaching staff accompanying him also ends their association with the Carbayon entity.

“Real Oviedo wishes to express its gratitude to Veljko Paunovic and his coaching staff for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication during their time leading the team.

“Under his direction, Real Oviedo achieved the long-awaited promotion to the First Division, a historic success that will forever remain in the memory of Oviedismo.

“From the club, we wish him the greatest success in his future projects, both personal and professional.”

Unexpected Oviedo decision

The dismissal may have come as a surprise to Paunovic and the playing staff according to Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

“Nothing suggested that the club would announce the termination of the Serbian player’s contract and that of his entire technical staff on Wednesday, minutes before the training session,” the station reported.

Paunovic had an 18-month spell in charge of Reading before leaving the club in 2022Credit: Getty

Oviedo’s B team manager Roberto Aguirre has been placed in temporary charge of first-team affairs until a decision has been made on the Serbian’s successor.

Paunovic spent 18 months in charge of Reading between 2020 and 2022 with the club in the Championship.

He made an instant impact winning the Manager of the Month award but was unable to steer the Royals to a play-off spot.

It was there that Paunovic unearthed Michael OIise prior to his switch to Crystal Palace.

However, off-field difficulties plagued the following campaign with Reading handed a six-point deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules across the previous three seasons.

Paunovic left his role by mutual consent in February 2022 following a 3-2 defeat at Preston.