Valencia hires ex-Villarreal coach Marcelino

Marcelino brought success to Villarreal after being hired in 2013 when the former Champions League semifinalist was in the second tier. (Alberto Saiz/AP)

Valencia has appointed former Villarreal manager Marcelino as its new coach on a two-year contract, the club announced on Thursday.

Marcelino has been out of a job since the summer after he resigned from Villarreal right before its Champions League playoff in August. The Yellow Submarine was knocked out by semifinalists Monaco in the final qualifying round.

The former midfielder finished in the top six in all three of his seasons with Villarreal. He also guided the team to the Europa League semifinals last season before losing to Liverpool.

Valencia has struggled over the past two seasons. It finished 12th in La Liga last year and battled relegation for most of the current campaign. Los Che are currently in 13th with 43 points.

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