- Valdes returns to management
- Will be coaching a team from Spain's fourth tier
- Previously worked as a youth coach in Barca's academy
Getty Images SportLegendary Barcelona goalkeeper who also played for Man Utd makes return to management after four-year absence as he joins promotion-chasing Spanish minnows

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There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Legendary former Barcelona and Manchester United goalkeeper Víctor Valdés is back in management after a four-year hiatus. The three-time Champions League winner has taken charge of Spanish minnows Real Ávila, a promotion-chasing side aiming to climb the ranks of Spanish football.
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After previous stints with Escuela Deportiva Moratalaz, Barcelona’s Juvenil A, and Horta in the Tercera RFEF, Valdes has now been appointed head coach of Real Avila, a fourth-division side with promotion ambitions in Spanish football. Valdes played 535 games for the Catalans in what was a trophy-laden 12-year spell at the Camp Nou. Following his retirement in 2017, he completed his UEFA Pro Licence course in 2018. However, after his stint at Horta, he didn't manage any team.
WHAT VICTOR VALDES SAID
After being announced as the manager of Avila, Valdes addressed the media and spoke about the possibility of becoming Barca's first team coach in the future.
“I’m taking it one step at a time. This is the opportunity I have now. I am in Segunda RFEF," said Valdes (h/t Barca Universal).
“What you’re talking about are bigger things. I have to be humble, learning from my mistakes and celebrating small and big victories.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Valdes faced an unceremonious exit from La Masia in 2019, after it was reported that the then-Barca U19 head coach had a spat with Patrick Kluivert, who served as the director of youth football.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR VICTOR VALDES?
Avila are currently fourth on the Segunda Federacion table, 20 points behind table-toppers Pontevedra. Valdes' first game at the helm will be played on Sunday, April 27, when his side take on Compostela. The 43-year-old will remain in charge of the club until the end of next season.
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