Pellegrino axed by Valencia

Mauricio Pellegrino has been sacked as head coach of Valencia.

The 41-year-old had been under increasing pressure at La Mestalla due to the club’s inconsistent La Liga form, which included a 4-0 hammering against Malaga last week following a disappointing 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid.

Valencia’s form in the Champions League had given Pellegrino some breathing space, but after his side’s 5-2 capitulation at home to Real Sociedad on Saturday, the club have taken the decision to dismiss him from his post.

In a statement on the club’s official website, president Manuel Llorente said: “After the match (with Real Sociedad), we had been exchanging views, debate, and we have taken the decision to dismiss coach Mauricio Pellegrino.

“It was a decision which, as you can all imagine, was painful, but we think that within the scope of our responsibility, we have to take such decisions. In all the time I’ve been at Valencia CF, this is the first time we have removed a coach. I feel responsible, I’m the president.

“After analysis of the encounter and the evolution that has taken place since we started the season, this is what has to be done. And it hurts a lot, because I have always held Mauricio in very high regard.

“The intention is that we take the team to the Champions League, it is our responsibility to take decisions to straighten our future. It is more comfortable not to take it, but we are obliged to.”

The club also confirmed that assistant coach Voro will take temporary charge of first-team affairs as they begin the search for Pellegrino’s replacement.