Ernesto Valverde has rejected the opportunity to return as Valencia CF manager, forcing new sporting director Braulio Vázquez to continue his search for a replacement following the dismissal of Carlos Corberán.
Valencia’s approach came at a critical juncture, with the club sitting at the bottom of the La Liga table with a single point from their opening five fixtures, alongside executive restructuring that included the departure of chief executive of football Ron Gourlay.
Valverde informed Valencia officials that he does not intend to return to management at present, remaining committed to a year-long sabbatical following an arduous final season with Athletic Bilbao. His refusal was not specific to Valencia, but rather reflected a general stance on all managerial offers received.
The precarious financial situation at the Mestalla further complicates the task, as the club must absorb the severance costs of terminating Corberán, his coaching staff, and several club executives, while any new manager must navigate an unalterable squad until the winter transfer window.
Braulio has compiled a candidate shortlist that includes Jagoba Arrasate, Javier Aguirre, Paco López, and Roberto Martínez, whereas José Luis Mendilibar has withdrawn from consideration due to his unwillingness to take over a team mid-season. Reserve team coach Óscar Sánchez will assume temporary charge.
Valverde previously managed Valencia between December 2012 and June 2013, succeeding Mauricio Pellegrino to oversee 31 matches across all competitions, recording 17 wins, seven draws, and seven defeats, before departing at the end of the campaign after finishing fifth in La Liga.
The 62-year-old manager began his coaching career within Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy before managing the first team across three separate stints, alongside spells at Espanyol, Villarreal, Olympiacos, and Barcelona. His managerial honours include three Greek Super League titles, two La Liga titles with Barcelona, alongside Copa del Rey triumphs with Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, as well as Supercopa de España titles with both clubs.
