Valencia have confirmed the appointment of Jose Bordalas as the club’s new head coach.
Bordalas is the official replacement for former Watford manager Javi Gracia, who was sacked after less than a year in charge. Valencia stalwart Voro oversaw the final four games of the season and guided the club to a 13th place finish in La Liga.
The 57-year-old has signed a two-year deal at the Mestalla with the option of a third.
Bordalas ends a terrific four-and-a-half years at Getafe. During his time in Madrid, he guided them to the last 16 in the Europa League. He also led Getafe back to La Liga following their relegation in 2016.
Jose Bordalas Appointed Valencia Boss
Bordalas Joins After a Brilliant Spell at Getafe
The vastly experienced coach has taken charge of over 500 games across Spanish football but this will be the biggest club he’s managed. Valencia are embroiled in deep financial troubles and Bordalas must steady the ship on the pitch.
The club stuttered to a disappointing 13th place finish after another season of inconsistency. Valencia also failed to back previous manager Javi Gracia in the transfer market with the club preferring to utilise their academy.
Bordalas will likely have to follow a similar route with funds severely low at the club. He departs Getafe after a wonderful four-and-half years where he took the club from strength to strength. The highlight in his time was a top-seven finish and qualification for the Europa League. He took Getafe to the knockout stages of the competition in 2020.
However, Getafe had a disappointing season, finishing 16th, only securing their La Liga status in their penultimate game of the season. He did have a year left on his contract at the Coliseum but he and president Angel Torres felt it was time for a change. There were rumours of discontent with Bordalas frustrated by the lack of backing.
He faces a difficult challenge at Valencia with the club wanting to be pushing for Europe. Small steps are likely to be taken at the club, with the top ten the first aim before pushing for Europe. Bordalas has demonstrated he can lead teams to Europe and Valencia hope he can work wonders once again.
Getafe Have Replaced Bordalas With the Returning Michel Gonzalez
Getafe have moved quickly to replace Bordalas with Michel Gonzalez back for a second spell. He returns a decade after his last spell ended and will be tasked with improving Getafe’s La Liga performances.
Michel led Getafe for two years between 2009 and 2011. During that time, he secured safety twice in La Liga but that wasn’t good enough and he was eventually sacked.
He returns determined to improve on that. The club still has much of the core that helped them secure Europa League football. He will be hoping to tap into that and help Getafe push up the La Liga table.
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