Peter Lim sacks Marcelino ahead of Valencia's match against Barça

Now it's official: Marcelino García Toral has been sacked as Valencia CF's head coach. In a statement released by the football club, they confirmed the rumours which broke earlier this morning. Peter Lim was the man who made the decision to get rid of the most successful coach in the last 11 years.

Marcelino was in charge of Valencia for two seasons and managed to secure Champions League football in both of them. Last season he also added the first trophy to the club's cabinet since Ronald Koeman in 2008. In a short and sweet statement, it ended with the traditional line: "The club wish to thank Marcelino for his hard work and dedication during his time as coach, and wish him the best of success for the future."

It remains to be seen what happens to the club's director of football Mateu Alemany. When his position was under threat in the summer, Marcelino stood by his side and said he would walk if Alemany was sacked. At the moment he continues in his role.

Former Spain U21 coach and assistant to Julen Lopetegui at Real Madrid, Albert Celades, is expected to be named as Marcelino's replacement at Valencia.