Valencia CF have appointed Carlos Corberan as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal after triggering the release clause in his contract with West Bromwich Albion. Corberan replaces Ruben Baraja, who was dismissed on Monday with the La Liga club struggling near the bottom of the table.
The 41-year-old Spaniard brings experience from his time with Leeds United, where he served as Under-23 coach and was part of Marcelo Bielsa’s backroom team. Corberan went on to manage Huddersfield Town, leading them to the Championship playoff final in 2022, and also had stints with Olympiakos Piraeus and West Bromwich Albion.
Corberan, who played in Valencia’s youth setup earlier in his career, returns to the club at a critical juncture. Valencia sit second from bottom in La Liga with just 12 points from 17 matches, leaving them four points adrift of safety. Despite having a game in hand, the team has only managed two wins this season, prompting the decision to part ways with Baraja.
In a statement, Valencia confirmed the appointment: “Carlos Corberan becomes the new Valencia CF coach until 2027. The club has informed West Bromwich Albion FC of the execution of the exit option stipulated in his contract to leave the English club.”
Corberan’s first challenge will be a daunting one, as Valencia face second-placed Real Madrid on January 3 at the Mestalla. The fixture, originally postponed due to flooding, will test the new manager’s ability to galvanise the team and begin their fight for survival in La Liga.
The appointment marks a homecoming for Corberan and signals Valencia’s determination to turn their season around. With his tactical expertise and history of working under Bielsa, the club will hope he can provide the stability and results needed to steer them clear of relegation.
