Valencia have appointed Carlos Corberán as head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract following the Spaniard's departure from West Bromwich Albion, the struggling LaLiga club said.
Corberán spent three years at Leeds United as an under-23 coach and as a member of Marcelo Bielsa's coaching staff, before becoming Huddersfield Town manager in 2020.
The 41-year-old, who has since coached Olympiacos and West Brom, also previously played for Valencia's youth team.
“Carlos Corberán becomes the new coach of Valencia CF until 2027,” Valencia said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The club has informed West Bromwich Albion FC of the execution of the exit option stipulated in his contract to leave the English club.”
Corberán published a statement thanking the English club and its fans.
“I can't begin to explain how I feel for West Bromwich Albion, its fans and everyone associated with the club,” he said.
“In my more than two years here I have only felt the love of this community and the decision to leave has been the hardest of my life. There will always be a place in my heart for this very special club and I hope one day to be able to return.” Thank you all for your incredible support.”
Corberán replaces Rubén Baraja, who was fired on Monday with Valencia second from bottom in the standings with 12 points, with only two wins in 17 league games and four points out of the safety zone.
The club's Singaporean owner, Peter Lim, continues to face significant protests from fans.
Lim acquired the then-indebted Valencia in 2014, but has not been a popular figure, with the club regularly being forced to sell its best players to reduce the club's high debts without making significant signings to strengthen the team.
Valencia, which has a game in hand, will face second-placed Real Madrid at home on January 3, a match rescheduled after the original match was postponed due to flooding last month.
