Valencia Step Up Manager Search After Ernesto Valverde Rejection
Ernesto Valverde has rejected Valencia’s approach to become their next head coach, leaving the club to widen its search after last weekend’s dismissals of Carlos Corberan and chief executive Ron Gourlay.
Valverde thanked Valencia for their interest but has told sporting director Braulio that he will not return to management this season. The former Barcelona and Athletic Club coach intends to continue the break he planned after leaving Bilbao.
Braulio’s previous working relationship with Valverde at Valencia in 2012-13 was not enough to change that decision. The club’s sporting department held remote discussions on Monday as it assessed other candidates.
Who is affected
- Valencia: Bottom of La Liga and seeking a coach capable of quickly settling the dressing room and improving results.
- Oscar Sanchez: The interim boss will take charge of the first team for matches against Alaves and Real Sociedad.
- Braulio: The new sporting director must now move on to alternative names after his preferred candidate said no.
- The incoming coach: He will be expected to identify priority January recruits as Valencia look to address gaps in the squad.
What happens next
- Oscar Sanchez prepares the side for the Alaves and Real Sociedad fixtures.
- Valencia continue talks with other managerial options.
- The club aims to appoint its permanent coach before the international break.
- The new manager would then have a three-week break to work on tactics, conditioning and a reset ahead of the next phase of the campaign.
