West Brom: Carlos Corberan to leave The Hawthorns to join Valencia | Football news

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Carlos Corberan has left his job at West Brom to take over as the new head coach of Valencia.

The LaLiga club confirmed the news had satisfied the release clause in Corberan’s contract.

“Carlos Corberan will be the new Valencia CF coach until 2027,” Valencia said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The club has informed West Bromwich Albion FC of the exercise of the exit option set out in his contract to leave the English club.”

Picture:
The Spaniard leaves the Hawthorns to join Valencia, who are currently in LaLiga’s relegation zone

In a post on social media, former Valencia youth team player Corberan said leaving West Brom was the “hardest” decision of his life.

“I cannot begin to explain how I feel for West Bromwich Albion, its fans and everyone associated with the club,” Corberan wrote.

“In my more than two years here, I have felt nothing but LOVE from this community and the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life.

“There will ALWAYS be a place in my heart for this special club and I hope one day I can return to thank you all for your incredible support.”

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Highlights from the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Bristol City

Former Huddersfield boss Corberan – who had worked under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds – took over at The Hawthorns in October 2022, replacing Steve Bruce after he was sacked a fortnight earlier.

In his first full season in charge, 2023/24, the Spaniard guided the Baggies to the Sky Bet Championship play-offs, although they were beaten by eventual winners Southampton in the semi-finals.

They currently sit seventh in the second tier, outside the play-off places on goal difference, having lost just one of their last 14 matches, and travel to Pride Park to take on Derby on Boxing Day, live on Sky Sports Football.

Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill will oversee first-team duties for the time being, the Championship club confirmed.

West Brom chairman Shilen Patel paid tribute to Corberan as he departed.

“I would like to thank Carlos for all his hard work since his arrival at Albion at one of the most challenging times in the club’s modern era,” Patel wrote on social media.

“I am grateful for his contribution and wish Carlos and his family all the best in his new journey!”

Valencia are second bottom in LaLiga, having won two league games, leading to the sacking of former Spain international Ruben Baraja.