Valencia Sacks Baraja Amid Relegation Threat

Valencia has sacked head coach Ruben Baraja following a disappointing start to the La Liga season, with the team securing only two wins in 17 matches and currently sitting second-bottom in the league. Baraja, a former Valencia player, was appointed in February 2023 and managed to avoid relegation in his first season, leading the team to a ninth-place finish. Despite his efforts and past accolades as a player, including winning two league titles, the club is now four points from safety and facing possible relegation for the first time since 1987. The decision to part ways with Baraja was described by the club as necessary to reverse the poor performance trend and improve results. Valencia's next match is against reigning champions Real Madrid on January 3. The club expressed gratitude for Baraja's contributions and wished him success in the future.