Rayo Vallecano have appointed former Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja as their new manager, according to reports in Spain.

The Madrid-based club sacked previous boss Jose Ramon Sandoval after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat to UCAM Murcia, a result that left the club languishing in 16th spot in Segunda having been relegated from the top flight in May.

41-year-old Baraja is most well-known for his ten-year stint at Valencia in his playing career, where he also was capped 43 times by Spain.

His first senior management role was at Elche last season, where he quit in June after guiding Los Franjiverdes to a respectable 11th in the Segunda after their relegation.

Baraja was previously assistant manager at Atletico Madrid and has also coached Valencia's youth sides.

The club from the Vallecas district in Madrid have struggled following their demotion last season and the departure of Paco Jemez, although they have managed to maintain the majority of their first-team squad.

Tags Ruben Baraja
La Liga - Club News