Why Valencia Contacted Ernesto Valverde
Valencia moved quickly after dismissing Carlos Corberan and his staff. The club contacted several candidates who were currently without a team. Valverde featured on the initial shortlist because of his proven record in La Liga. Braulio Vazquez reached out directly to assess his interest. Valverde replied that he prefers to remain outside the intense environment of top-level club management for the time being. The approach was one of the first made by the new sporting director as he began assessing options among coaches not tied to other clubs. The experienced technician had left Athletic Bilbao the previous summer and had chosen a different daily routine without the demands and pressure that come with working at a high-level club. Valencia explored his intentions but received a clear answer: he is not considering a return to active coaching duties. This development did not disrupt Valencia’s planning because the new sporting director had not settled on any specific candidate. Instead the club has begun a broader round of exploratory contacts with coaches who are currently without a club.
Valencia's Current Managerial Search Process
The new sporting director has started a wider round of discussions rather than focusing on one candidate. Initial conversations aim to gauge availability, salary expectations and opinions on the existing squad. No rapid appointment is planned. Valencia wants a coach whose profile matches the team's actual resources and limitations. The next two matches will be handled by academy coach Oscar Sanchez while the search continues. The process is described as exploratory, with emphasis on finding alignment between the coach's views and the club's current squad capabilities rather than rushing any decision. In recent hours the club has opened contacts with several coaches listed by Braulio Vazquez. These are mainly initial contacts intended to test real interest in Valencia, to learn each coach’s plans and demands, and above all to understand how they evaluate the playing squad they would have to manage. This last element is considered decisive because the new coach will not be able to overhaul the team overnight and must work with the roster already in place until at least January.
Financial Constraints Affecting the Appointment
Valencia faces substantial outgoing payments. Compensation for Carlos Corberan, his assistants and former sporting director Ron Gourlay totals around seven million euros. These obligations limit the budget available for a new head coach. The club intends to negotiate payment schedules but acknowledges that financial realities will shape the final choice. No hasty decision will be made simply to fill the bench. The total figure covers multiple departures and places added pressure on how any new appointment is structured. The club must also cover the cost of Corberan’s own coaching staff. The overall amount of obligations is calculated at approximately seven million euros, a sum that weighs heavily on the club’s financial situation. Valencia is expected to negotiate the payment terms, yet it is certain that the economic reality will influence the selection of the new coach. For this reason there is no intention to make a rushed move. The board does not want to choose a coach merely to have someone on the bench; priority is to find the right profile even if the search takes longer.
Challenges of Managing the Current Squad
The incoming coach must work with the roster already assembled until at least January. Any candidate is therefore evaluated on how realistically they assess the strengths and weaknesses of the present group. Valencia cannot undertake a major overhaul immediately. This constraint narrows the field of suitable profiles and places greater weight on tactical fit rather than reputation alone. The emphasis on the existing squad's quality means the new coach's evaluation of the players forms a key part of the selection criteria. The situation is particular because Valencia is the first La Liga side this season to decide to remove its coach, theoretically giving it access to a relatively open managerial market. Several coaches are available, yet the club’s financial margin is limited and every option must be weighed carefully. The new coach will have to manage the existing squad’s quality, weaknesses and potential, and his assessment of these factors is a fundamental criterion.
Timeline for the Next Matches
Oscar Sanchez will lead the team against Alaves. Indications suggest he will also take charge for the home fixture against Real Sociedad. These interim arrangements give Valencia additional time to conduct thorough interviews without rushing the process. The two upcoming fixtures are already allocated in terms of technical management, allowing the club to focus on longer-term planning. The matches have essentially been scheduled regarding their technical handling, giving the club breathing space while it continues the search for a permanent appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Has Ernesto Valverde ruled out any return to coaching?
Valverde stated he currently has no intention of returning to the bench. He prefers to maintain the lower-pressure routine he adopted after leaving Athletic Bilbao.
Why did Valencia approach Valverde first?
His experience in La Liga and availability made him a logical early contact. The club explored options among coaches not currently employed elsewhere.
How much compensation is Valencia paying?
The total cost for the departures of Corberan, his coaching staff and Ron Gourlay is estimated at seven million euros.
Who will coach Valencia in the short term?
Academy coach Oscar Sanchez has been placed in temporary charge for the upcoming fixtures against Alaves and Real Sociedad.
Will Valencia appoint a new manager before the end of September?
The club has indicated no fixed deadline. Priority remains finding a suitable profile rather than making a quick appointment.
