A changing of hands in the dugout at La Liga outfit Celta Vigo has this afternoon been confirmed.
Despite a mere ten rounds of fixtures remaining in the Spanish top-flight campaign, the powers that be at Balaídos early this week came to the definitive conclusion that the time had come for change.
After a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Real Madrid on Sunday left Celta just two points clear of the relegation zone, Rafael Benítez, in turn, was sent on his way.
As per an official statement across the website and social media platforms of the Celestes:
‘Rafa Benítez and his staff leave RC Celta after eight months of absolute dedication and total commitment, but in which the team has not obtained the results expected by the club.
The club would like to express to Rafa Benítez and his assistants its most sincere gratitude for the honesty and professionalism they have shown since their arrival and the tireless work they have done. RC Celta would also like to wish them the best of luck and success in the future.’
And fresh on the back of Benítez’s exit, has come confirmation of his replacement on the bench in Galicia.
In a further announcement by way of the Celta board on Tuesday afternoon, it has been revealed that Claudio Giráldez will take up the reins for the remainder of the campaign.
Giráldez, for his part, has spent the last two seasons leading the charge in the Celta Fortuna dugout, but will now be afforded the chance to test his managerial talents on the big stage:
‘The Celta Fortuna coach, Claudio Giráldez, will take the reins of the first team from this Wednesday, the day in which, after a day of rest, there will be a preparatory session at 11:00 a.m. at the Cidade Deportiva Afouteza. Giráldez, a coach trained in the youth categories of the Vigo club, will lead the celestial team this Sunday in Seville, where RC Celta faces the Andalusian team at 2:00 p.m. at the Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.’
Conor Laird | GSFN
