Espanyol mandate for Valverde
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Article summary
Coach Ernesto Valverde has accepted a two-year extension to his contract at RCD Espanyol after leading the Barcelona club to the UEFA Cup's last 32.
Article body
Extended deal
The 42-year-old took over from Miguel Ángel Lotina in the summer with Espanyol having qualified for this season's UEFA Cup after winning the Copa del Rey. His original deal was due to expire in June but the club have now tied him down until summer 2009.
Shaky start
Valverde, who started his top-flight coaching career with Athletic Club Bilbao in 2003, initially struggled at Espanyol, with his side being knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the first round. However, they topped their section in the UEFA Cup group stage with a maximum 12 points to earn a Round of 32 tie against AS Livorno Calcio on 14 and 22 February and are now tenth in the Primera División.
