Skip to content

Pako Ayestaran sacked as Valencia manager

Balague says Valencia have improved since Pako Ayestaran took charge
Image: Valencia have sacked manager Pako Ayestaran following their poor start to the new season

Pako Ayestaran has been sacked as Valencia manager less than six months after replacing Gary Neville at the Mestalla.

The 53-year-old, who was appointed as Neville's successor in March on a two-year deal, leaves the club bottom of La Liga and without a point after opening the new season with four straight defeats.

Former Valencia defender Voro Gonzalez will assume control of first-team affairs on an interim basis, having previously served as a caretaker manager on three separate occasions.

Three months' half-price Sky Sports
Three months' half-price Sky Sports

Watch the Premier League, Ryder Cup and the EFL Cup

"After the meeting of the board of directors held today (Tuesday), Valencia football club has decided to relieve from office the coach Pako Ayestaran. The decision was made after analysing the current sporting situation and results," a club statement read.

"While the club finalises hiring a new coach, Voro Gonzalez will serve as coach of the first team on an interim basis but with full responsibility and confidence of the club.

Valencia's head coach Gary Neville f
Image: Ayestaran replaced Gary Neville as Valencia boss in March

"Valencia football club wishes to thank the involvement, effort and professionalism of Pako Ayestaran and his coaching staff in his time at the helm. The club wishes all the best of luck for the future."

Ayestaran won just three of his 13 matches during his short spell in charge of the Los Che.

Also See:

Live La Liga Football

Watch Man Utd v Leicester, the Ryder Cup and the EFL Cup as part of our three months' half-price offer.

Around Sky