Real Valladolid president, Ronaldo Nazario, has parted ways with the reserve team manager, Julio Baptista, following the coach’s public criticism of the club’s management.
Despite their past as close friends and former teammates at Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, Baptista is stepping down from his role as Valladolid Promesas manager after a five-year tenure.
In response to Baptista’s departure, the Spanish side has announced the appointment of Alvaro Rubio, a former club captain and technical coach since 2017.
Ronaldo, who acquired a majority stake in the club in 2018, has been proactive in reshaping the team.
Baptista, Ronaldo’s former Bernabeu teammate, led the reserve side for three years. However, this season has seen them struggle, currently placed 14th in the Segunda Division RFEF table with six losses in ten games. After a 1-0 defeat to Ourense, Baptista voiced frustration, stating he lacked the freedom to choose his players.
In response to these comments, Baptista, along with his coaching staff, José Luis Rueda and Alfredo Fernández, has been relieved of their duties.
Valladolid issued a statement expressing gratitude for their contributions and announced Álvaro Rubio as the new coach of Real Valladolid Promesas.
The club’s sporting director, Domingo Catoira, commented on Baptista’s statements, acknowledging their negative impact on the club’s image. He highlighted the long-standing model in place and expressed surprise at Baptista’s disagreement with it.
Catoira emphasized that discussions with Baptista would remain private, but the club would address the situation accordingly.