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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Valencia confirm new managerial appointment ahead of Chelsea Champions League clash

Valencia have made a big change ahead of their clash against Chelsea next week.

This season marks the return of Champions League football to Stamford Bridge following a one-year absence and the Blues' first opponents are the La Liga outfit who reached the Europa League semi-final last term.

But ahead of Los Che's visit to the capital they have parted company with Marcelino as manager.

Despite leading the club to Copa del Rey success last season - after beating Barcelona in the final - Marcelino has paid the ultimate price for overseeing a mixed start to the 2019/2020 campaign.

Valencia went into the international break sitting 10th in the La Liga table after just three games and with four points to their name.

Supporters haven't had to wait long for Marcelino's successor.

Champions League 2019/20 group stage draw

It has since been confirmed that Albert Celades has been placed in charge, signing a two-year contract and his first game in charge is a daunting trip to the Camp Nou this Saturday.

A statement via the club's official website reads: "Valencia CF has reached an agreement with Albert Celades on Wednesday, whereby he becomes a new coach of the first team until June 30, 2021.

"The new coach will direct his first training session this afternoon."

As mentioned above, Celades' second game in charge is away to Chelsea in the Champions League.

This means it's a tough baptism of fire for the Spaniard.

Celades will be hopeful Valencia's next trip to London is different from their last one back in May when they were beaten 3-1 by Arsenal in the first-leg of the Europa League semi-final.

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