Relegation battlers Valencia fire coach Ruben Baraja
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Valencia coach Ruben Baraja before the match between Valencia and Real Betis in Valencia, Spain on Nov 23.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MADRID – Valencia have sacked coach Ruben Baraja, the Spanish La Liga club said on Dec 23, after a dismal start to the season leaves the team in the relegation zone.
Baraja, a former Valencia player, took charge in February 2023, with the club also battling relegation, and led them to ninth place last season, but their poor end-of-season form has continued into this campaign.
“The dynamic of results during this season has required a decision that has been very difficult to make, but which aims to reverse the situation and achieve better results,” the club said in a statement.
Valencia failed to win any of their final seven games last season and began this season with three losses.
With only two wins in 17 league games, they are second from bottom on 12 points, four points from the safety zone, but with a game in hand.
Their next match is at home to second-placed Real Madrid on Jan 3, which was postponed from November because of the devastating floods in the region. REUTERS
