Koeman comes unstuck at Valencia
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Article summary
Ronald Koeman has stepped down as Valencia CF coach after a 5-1 reverse at Athletic Club Bilbao left the six-time Spanish champions in relegation danger.
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Worrying slide
The 45-year-old former Dutch international joined the club from PSV Eindhoven in November, to replace Quique Sanchez Flores, signing a two-and-a-half year contract, but since his arrival, Valencia have slipped from sixth to 15th in the Primera División and are within two points of the relegation places, despite winning the Spanish Cup on 16 April, beating Getafe CF 3-1 in the final.
'Mutual agreement'
"Ronald Koeman has had his contract rescinded by mutual agreement," the club said in an official statement. "I leave feeling proud after winning the cup," Koeman said. "But, as they say in the Netherlands, I feel I have gained a new experience but lost a hope during my time here. We parted on good terms and I would like to say the club has treated me very well since I arrived."
Players dropped
Koeman left the club following a meeting on Monday along with his assistants José Mari Bakero, Toni Bruins Slot and sporting director Miguel Ángel Ruiz. Since he took over, Valencia have won four games, drawn six and lost 22, while the coach's decision to drop captain David Albelda, goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares and winger Miguel Ángel Angulo caused controversy.
New appointments
Former Valencia, RC Deportivo La Coruña, CD Logroñés and Spain player Salvador 'Voro' González has been named as Koeman's replacement, with the club adding: "Voro has been appointed coach with total freedom to do what he thinks needs to be done to take the club forward." Another ex-player at the Mestalla Stadium, the 35-year-old Juan Sánchez, has been named as Valencia's new sporting director.