Rubén Baraja has been named new coach of Valencia CF.
Baraja left a long-lasting legacy at Mestalla as a player and is now the man chosen by the club to turn around what has been a difficult season from the dugout.
He is replacing Gennaro Gattuso as permanent manager and taking over from Voro, the man charged with interim control while the club searched for a replacement. 'Pipo' Baraja previously played for Los Che between 2000 and 2010 and was central to some of the most iconic and successful sides in club history.
Baraja won two LaLiga Santander titles (2002, 2004) as a player, as well as a UEFA Cup (2004), one European Super Cup (2004) and a Copa del Rey (2008). He knows full well what it takes to be a success at Mestalla, one of LaLiga's most demanding environments, and will look to take Valencia CF back to the top of Spanish football where its history suggests it should be.
Also, he won 123 games in 248 appearances for Valencia CF in LaLiga, a number only surpassed by David Albelda in the 21st century (169 wins in 128 apps).
The Valladolid native has previously held coaching posts in LaLiga SmartBank with Real Zaragoza, CD Tenerife, Real Sporting, Rayo Vallecano and Elche CF, and now has the chance to prove his abilities in the top flight LaLiga Santander.
