Valencia Appoint Carlos Corberan Manager

Valencia, a struggling LaLiga team, announced that Carlos Corberan will coach them for two and a half years after leaving West Bromwich Albion. After three years as Leeds United’s Under-23 coach and Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom assistant, Corberan became Huddersfield Town manager in 2020. Before coaching Olympiakos Piraeus and West Brom, the 41-year-old played for Valencia’s minor team.

“Carlos Corberan becomes the new Valencia CF coach until 2027,” Valencia announced Tuesday.

“The club has informed West Bromwich Albion FC of the execution of the exit option stipulated in his contract to leave the English club.” Ruben Baraja was fired on Monday following a poor start to the season. Corberan succeeds him.

In February 2023, former Valencia player Baraja took command of the club, which was fighting relegation. He got them to safety and a ninth-place finish last season, but their dismal end-of-season form has persisted this season.

“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 team said in a release. Valencia is second from bottom with 12 points, four points outside the safety zone, but with a game in hand after losing their first three games and only two wins in 17 league games.

The club’s next match is at home to second-placed Real Madrid on January 3, delayed after flooding last month. Valencia, with a match in hand, will play second-placed Real Madrid at home on Jan. 3 after flooding postponed the meeting last month.