December 23, (THEWILL) – Valencia have dismissed manager, Ruben Baraja, following a concerning run of five matches without victory in La Liga. The Spanish club announced the decision on Monday, with the team currently occupying 19th position in the league table.
The former Valencia midfielder, who played a crucial role in two league championship victories during his playing career, departs the club having accumulated merely 12 points from 17 fixtures in the 2024/2025 campaign.
Baraja’s tenure began in February 2023, during which he successfully steered the club away from relegation danger. His efforts culminated in a respectable ninth-place finish in the previous season, though recent results have prompted the board to take action.
In their official statement, Valencia emphasised the difficulty of their decision, noting it had been made with the explicit aim of reversing the team’s current trajectory and improving results. The timing allows the incoming management team to utilise the winter break for preparation.
The six-time Spanish champions face an immediate challenge upon their return to competitive action, with a fixture against current La Liga champions Real Madrid scheduled for January 3, 2025. This match will prove crucial in their battle to maintain top-flight status.
Valencia’s presence in LaLiga spans nearly four decades, with their last season outside the premier division dating back to 1986/1987. Their current predicament represents one of the most significant challenges in their recent history.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
