Valencia have parted ways with head coach Gennaro Gattuso with the club just one point above the relegation zone in La Liga.
Despite the optimism around an attacking coach taking over an exciting squad, including stars like Yunus Musah, Samuel Lino, Nico Gonzalez, Hugo Guillamon and Giorgi Mamardashvili, the reality has been more disappointing.
Valencia have been poor since October, winning just one of their last six games. The football may be prettier than Jose Bordalas’ thuggish brand, but it has yielded worse results.
Bordalas helped Valencia to finish ninth in the league last season, but Valencia will struggle to finish mid-table with their current form.
Valencia lost to Real Valladolid over the weekend, piling the pressure on Gattuso. Their last league win was their 3-0 victory over Real Betis in November. They are 14th in the league.
It did not help that the hot-headed coach shoved a camera away after the Valladolid game when questioned about his team’s situation.
Another angle showed the former Napoli and AC Milan boss berating the camera holder for invading his personal space.
However, Gattuso apologised for the incident later. The 45-year-old has never shied from anything and took responsibility for his side’s poor performances.
Gattuso arrived at the club in June 2022 and signed a two-year contract. He took over a side moulded by Bordalas to play without the ball and hit on the counter.
Gattuso tried to instil his more possession-based style of play, but it has not worked. He has left the club, and it is unclear whether he wants a new job immediately or to wait until next summer.
Valencia have also not announced any clear plans for Gattuso’s successor.
