Valencia's then player Ruben Baraja (right) celebrates his goal with his teammates against Villareal during their Spanish league football match at Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, on Jan 10, 2009. (PHOTO / AFP)

MADRID - La Liga strugglers, Valencia on Tuesday named former player Ruben Baraja as their new first-team coach.

Baraja replaces Voro Gonzalez, who had been in temporary charge of the club for three games after Gennaro Gattuso left the club by "mutual consent".

Ruben Baraja, 47, was a legend as a player at Valencia, forming part of the team that won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Cup, the European Supercup and the Copa del Rey under the guidance of Rafael Benitez

Voro's three games saw the club suffer three consecutive defeats and they now sit in the relegation zone for the first time since 1896 - when they were relegated to the Spanish second division.

Baraja, 47, was a legend as a player at the club, forming part of the team that won two La Liga titles, the UEFA Cup, the European Supercup and the Copa del Rey under the guidance of Rafael Benitez. He also spent a short while working as a coach in the Valencia youth setup.

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His coaching career has been less successful than his playing career, with spells in the second division with Elche, Rayo Vallecano, Sporting Gijon, Tenerife and Zaragoza, who sacked him in November 2020 after a run of just two wins in 10 matches and he has not coached since then.

Valencia have also confirmed that former Valencia and Spain international defender, Carlos Marchena will form part of Baraja's technical staff.

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Baraja's first game in charge is a vital relegation battle away to Getafe next Monday, ahead of games against third-placed Real Sociedad and league leaders, FC Barcelona.