La Liga outfit Valencia have parted ways with head coach Rubén Baraja, effective immediately. The decision comes amid a tumultuous campaign for the club, with Valencia currently joint-bottom of the La Liga table with just 12 points from 17 fixtures.

Valencia’s poor run of form has seen them rack up just two points from an available 15 across their last five outings. The final straw came on Sunday when the team required a last-gasp injury-time equalizer to secure a share of the spoils at home to Deportivo Alavés.

As a result, Baraja has been relieved of his duties, with the club announcing the decision on their website and social media platforms on Monday afternoon. Valencia expressed their gratitude to Baraja for his passion, dedication, and commitment during his tenure as head coach.

“Valencia CF have decided to bring to an end Rubén Baraja’s time as first team coach. The club would like to publicly thank Baraja for the passion, dedication, and commitment that he has shown from the first to the last day of his tenure in charge. Valencia CF wish Rubén Baraja the best of luck and much success in the future.” the statement read.

Baraja’s departure marks the end of an era at Valencia, and the club will now begin the search for a new head coach to turn their fortunes around. With the team struggling at the foot of the table, the new coach will face a significant challenge in trying to steer Valencia to safety.

Valencia’s poor form has been a concern for some time, and the club’s hierarchy has finally taken action. The decision to sack Baraja may come as a relief to some fans, who have been calling for change in recent weeks.

The search for a new head coach is now underway, and Valencia will be hoping to appoint someone who can inspire a turnaround in fortunes. With the team facing a relegation battle, the new coach will need to hit the ground running and get results quickly.