Valencia confirm Nuno as new coach

Madrid: Spanish football club Valencia have named former Rio Ave coach Nuno Espiritu Santo as their new first team coach. Nuno becomes the club`s fifth coach in the last two years and replaces Juan Antonio.

Pizzi, who was sacked by Valencia Wednesday, a matter of days before the club returns to pre-season training. The 40-year-old, who led his former club to two cup finals in Portugal last year and qualified them for Europe for the first time in their history, has signed a one-year-deal which can be extended if he meets a series of sporting objectives. It is hoped Nuno`s arrival will speed up the sale of the club to Singapore-based businessman Peter Lim, who favoured his appointment over retaining Pizzi. Lim has been negotiating to buy Valencia for several months.