Valencia confirm Nuno as new coach

Madrid, July 5 (IANS) 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, reports Xinhua.

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.