Valencia sign Carlos Corberan from West Brom amid relegation fears

Valencia have appointed Carlos Corberan as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal following the Spaniard’s departure from West Bromwich Albion, the struggling LaLiga club said.

Corberan spent three years at Leeds United as their under-23 coach and as a member of Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom staff before becoming Huddersfield Town manager in 2020.

The 41-year-old, who has since coached Olympiacos and West Brom, has also previously played for Valencia’s youth team.

“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.”

Corberan issued a statement thanking the English club and their fans.

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

“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 that I may one day return to thank you all for your incredible support.”

Corberan replaces Ruben Baraja, who was sacked on Monday with Valencia second from bottom on 12 points with just two wins in 17 league games and four points from safety.

The club’s Singaporean owner Peter Lim continues to experience significant protests from fans.

Lim bought the then debt-ridden Valencia in 2014 but has not been a popular figure, with the club regularly forced to sell their top players to reduce the club’s high debt while failing to make significant signings to strengthen the squad.

Valencia, who have a game in hand, will next play second-placed Real Madrid at home on January 3, a rescheduled fixture after the original fixture was postponed due to flooding last month.