Cocca dismissed as Valladolid manager after only eight games amid relegation fears

Valladolid have parted ways with manager Diego Cocca (53) following only eight matches at the helm, as confirmed by the LaLiga club on Monday. The team currently sits at the bottom of the league table, having suffered five straight losses.

Cocca was appointed on December 14, signing a contract that was intended to last until season’s end. However, with just one victory during his tenure, reserve team coach Alvaro Rubio has been reinstated as interim manager for the second time this season.

Under Cocca’s management, Valladolid experienced six league defeats, which included a heavy 4-0 loss at home against Sevilla on Sunday. Additionally, they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by third-tier side Ourense CF at the round of 32 stage last month.

Paulo Pezzolano was dismissed in November after a significant 5-0 defeat at home to Atletico Madrid, having managed only two wins from 15 league matches this season. Rubio stepped in and led the team in three games, securing two victories before Cocca was appointed.

This season, Valladolid—who gained promotion last year under Pezzolano—currently hold 15 points from 24 matches, leaving them eight points behind Las Palmas, who sit in 17th place just outside the relegation zone. They are set to face Athletic Bilbao away this Sunday.