La Liga underachievers Former player Ruben Baraja has been named manager of Valencia.

In fewer than nine years, the team has had 10 permanent managers, including the 47-year-old. Having been in charge for just seven months, Gennaro Gattuso resigned last month.

Between 2000 and 2010, Baraja participated in 364 matches for Valencia and earned 43 Spain caps.

Valencia is third from the bottom and one point from safety after losing six of their last seven league games.

Valencia, Champions League finalists, is in disarray.
According to a statement from Valencia, “‘Pipo,’ one of the most decorated and illustrious players in the history of Valencia CF, knows the quirks of the club and returns home to contribute with his professionalism and commitment as a coach after helping the team win two La Liga championships, a Uefa Cup, a European Super Cup, and a Copa del Rey in the 2000s, which helped him establish his legendary status.

He will take over the squad at the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna in the coming days, and Carlos Marchena, another legendary Valencia CF coach, will be on his coaching staff.

Elche, Rayo Vallecano, Sporting Gijon, Tenerife, and Real Zaragoza are among the clubs Baraja has managed.

Following Gattuso’s resignation, Voro Gonzalez, who was serving as interim manager for the eighth time, lost all three of his matches in charge.

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