Espanyol's Chinese striker Wu Lei is bracing for the possibility of an uncertain future following the La Liga club's dismissal of head coach Pablo Machin on Monday, less than three months into his reign. 

"Espanyol confirmed that Pablo Machin has been relieved of his responsibilities as coach of the men's first team," a statement released from the club on Monday said.  

"The club have made the decision as a result of the first team's sporting performance and with the clear intention of changing the team's situation in La Liga." 

"Espanyol thanks Pablo Machin and his technical staff for their application during these months of work and wishes them every personal and professional success."

The last straw came on Sunday as Machin's side slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Leganes in a dreadful game, during which Wu entered the fray in the 77th minute but failed to instigate an improvement. The latest setback left Espanyol bottom of the table and five points adrift of safety.  

Wu has just one goal to his name through 15 league appearances, and the 28-year-old's poor form this season mirrored his team's woeful display. Machin was appointed in October to replace David Gallego but managed just one win in 10 domestic outings. 

Espanyol are now on the hunt for their third coach of the season, and whether the new boss will give Wu a new lease on life might have a direct bearing on the Catalan outfit's survival chances.