Valencia signs Carlos Corberan from West Brom amid relegation fears

Valencia have appointed Carlos Corberan as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract after the Spaniard left West Bromwich Albion, the struggling La Liga club said.

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

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

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

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

Corberan released a statement thanking the English club and its fans.

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

“In my more than two years here, I have felt nothing but the love of this community and the decision to leave was the hardest of my life. This special club will always have a place in my heart and I hope I can return one day.” I would like to thank you all for your incredible support.

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

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

Lim acquired the then heavily indebted Valencia in 2014, but did not enjoy much popularity as the club was regularly forced to sell its top players to reduce the club’s heavy debts, while making no significant signings to strengthen the squad.

Valencia, which still has a game in hand, plays second-place Real Madrid at home on January 3, a catch-up game after the original game was postponed due to flooding last month.