Villarreal sack Valverde after Osasuna defeat

(GSM) – Villarreal have parted ways with manager Ernesto Valverde following the club’s 2-0 home loss to Osasuna on Sunday.

The club spent much of the opening part of the season at or near the bottom of the table but experienced a resurgence prior to the new year.

Since entering 2010, however, Villarreal have won just once in all competitions and currently sit ninth place in the La Liga table, eight points behind the European places. The loss to Osasuna was the final straw for Villarreal’s management.

The club’s Web site issued the following statement: “Villarreal CF has rescinded its contract with manager Ernesto Valverde after the defeat in El Madrigal against Osasuna.”

The statement went on to thank Valverde for his services to the club and wished him well in his future endeavors in football.

The 45-year-old Valverde, who previously managed Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol and Olympiakos, took over the reigns of the club this past summer after long-time manager Manuel Pellegrini departed for Real Madrid.

Villarreal B manager Juan Carlos Garrido will take control of the senior team for the remainder of the season.