Coach Nuno parts company with Valencia
Monday, November 30, 2015
Article summary
"I'm grateful for every day I've been at Valencia," said Nuno Espírito Santo as the club confirmed his departure after Sunday's 1-0 loss to Sevilla left the side ninth in the Liga.
Article top media content
Article body
Nuno Espírito Santo has left Valencia by mutual consent following the club's 1-0 loss to Sevilla on Sunday evening.
The Portuguese tactician led the club to fourth place in the Liga last term after being appointed in July 2014, but he has struggled to repeat those feats and they lie ninth in the table following the loss in Andalusia. They are third in UEFA Champions League Group H and need to beat Lyon at home on 9 December to stand a chance of reaching the knockout phase.
"Before the game, I spoke with the president [Lay Hoon Chan] and [owner] Peter Lim, and I also did so afterwards," explained Nuno. "We know the situation is not good and I want the best for the club. I'd like to thank the players and Lim, who is a friend of mine and will remain one, and I also want to thank the fans of Valencia. Now I ask them to support the youngest squad in the league.
"I'm sad; I identified with the club. We achieved our objectives [last season] and got the highest points total in the club's history with 77 points, all with a very young squad. I'm grateful for every day I've been at Valencia; it's been an honour for me and made me proud. I spoke with the owner and president and we agree this is a project for the present and future. I want Valencia to be one of the biggest teams in Europe once again."
Assistant coach Salvador 'Voro' González has taken over on an interim basis, helped by ex-Manchester United and England defender Phillip Neville. First up is the club's Copa del Rey match away to Barakaldo on Wednesday.