Real Valladolid finally find replacement for Paulo Pezzolano – Football España

Real Valladolid appear to have found a new manager nearly two weeks after sacking Paulo Pezzolano. Like Pezzolano, it appears owner Ronaldo Nazario will opt for a manager with experience in Latin America.

Pezzolano was dismissed after a 5-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, and after being turned down by the likes of Gabriel Heinze and Francisco, Relevo say that they have convinced Diego Cocca to take on the tough task of keeping La Pucela in La Liga. The Argentine manager will arrive on a deal until the end of the season, with an option to extend that contract should they remain in La Liga.

Valladolid are currently sat in bottom place, with just a point from their last five games. Goals have been a major issue, with just 11 in their 16 games, making them the joint-lowest scorers in La Liga. Former Valladolid B manager Alvaro Rubio has been in charge for their last two games, and it seems likely that he will be in charge for their relegation showdown with Valencia on Friday night at the Nuevo Jose Zorrilla.

Cocca arrives with 17 years of experience in management, most of which in Argentina and Mexico. The former centre-back spent his career in Argentina too, with a brief spell at Lleida in his final years. Most recently employed by Mexico in a brief seven-game spell before Javier Aguirre took over, Cocca has had the most success at Racing in Buenos Aires and Atlas in Tijuana, winning titles with both.