Valencia sack coach Marcelino

Madrid: Valencia football club sacked coach Marcelino Garcia Toral on Wednesday, just three days before they face FC Barcelona in the Camp Nou and after just three games of the season. The decision comes after two seasons in which Marcelino led Valencia to consecutive fourth place finishes, qualifying the club for the Champions League in the 2017-18 and the 2018-19 seasons, as well as adding the Copa del Rey to last season’s fourth place finish after beating FC Barcelona 2-1 in the final. The club issued a brief communique to confirm the decision saying “Valencia CF have communicated to Marcelino Garcia Toral of his sacking as first team coach. The club wants to thank him for his work and dedication during his time at our club and wishes him all the best for the future.” The decision comes after a difficult summer in the club in which Marcelino was frustrated by the inability of the club to significantly improve the first team squad and Valencia’s apparent willingness to sell Spain international striker Rodrigo Moreno to Atletico Madrid. (PTI)