- West Brom begins searching for a new coach after the departure of Carlos Corberán
- The 41-year-old takes the reins of struggling Valencia in LaLiga
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West Bromwich Albion fans have seen their holidays marred by the news of Carlos Corberán’s departure mid-season.
The highly-rated coach returns to his homeland to take the reins at struggling Valencia after two years at The Hawthorns.
Valencia offered to pay Albion the £2.8m needed to release the 41-year-old from his contract.
West Brom, seventh in the championship, announced their departure on Christmas Eve.
They wrote in a statement on
Carlos Corberán changed West Brom for Valencia after agreeing to return to Spain
“The 41-year-old will return to his homeland with our gratitude and best wishes after two years at The Hawthorns.”
West Brom chairman Shilen Patel added: “I want to thank Carlos for all his hard work since arriving at the Albion at one of the most difficult times in the club’s modern era. I am grateful for his contributions and wish him Carlos and his family all the best on your new journey!’
Corberán, who previously worked as a manager at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa before managing Huddersfield Town, Olympiacos and West Brom, joins Valencia in 19th place in LaLiga.
The Baggies are currently seventh in the Championship after a promising start to the season
Valencia, for its part, is going through one of its worst streaks in the club’s recent history.
He grew up in Cheste, the Valencia region of Spain, and many members of his family remain there. As a goalkeeper he played in the youth ranks of Cheste and was in the Valencia squad before choosing to become a coach at the young age of 23.
Corberán has been highly sought after for the work he has done at Albion on a tight financial budget. He has been on the shortlists of teams such as Southampton and Wolves and was considered by Leeds United last year.
Former European giant Valencia has just 12 points to its name after 17 league games. Former coach Rubén Baraja was fired on Monday.
Chris Brunt, Damia Abella and Boaz Myhill are in interim charge at West Brom until the search for a new boss is completed.
West Brom will be next in action on Boxing Day when they travel to Derby County, while Valencia host Real Madrid on January 3.