Madrid, Jan. 31 (UNI) La Liga strugglers Valencia on Monday announced that they have parted company with coach Gennaro Gattuso after less than half a season in charge.

"The club and the first team coach, Gennaro Gattuso, have decided by mutual agreement to end the contractual relationship between the two parties," Valencia confirmed in a statement on their website.

The club added that 'Voro' Gonzalez will take charge of Tuesday's training session, and presumably Thursday's La Liga visit to play Real Madrid in a game postponed earlier this month due to both sides playing in the Spanish Super Cup.

Gattuso leaves the club after a disastrous week which saw Valencia knocked out of the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey, losing 3-1 at home to Athletic Club Bilbao on Wednesday and lose 1-0 to Valladolid at the weekend, ending their rival's run of five consecutive defeats.
Valencia have won five, drawn five and lost eight of their 18 La Liga matches this season and Sunday's defeat leaves them 14th on the table, but just one point above 18th-placed Cadiz.
UNI XINHUA RKM