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Deportivo La Coruna’s Emerging Star Uzoho Under New Tutelage as Head Coach Pepe Mel Departs
In a significant managerial shake-up, Deportivo La Coruna has parted ways with head coach Pepe Mel after a disappointing start to the season, paving the way for the 18-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, to receive guidance from youth coach Cristobal Parralo until the conclusion of the 2017-18 campaign.
Uzoho, a former Nigeria U-17 goalkeeper, exhibited a commendable performance in his second La Liga Santander start on Monday, despite Deportivo La Coruna succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Girona. Mel, who handed Uzoho his LaLiga Santander debut in a goalless draw with Eibar the previous Sunday, leaves behind a challenging legacy for the young shot-stopper, who has conceded two goals in his two appearances for Depor.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club’s board of directors expressed their gratitude to Pepe Mel and his coaching staff for their dedication, effort, and professionalism. “The club wants to sincerely thank the Madrid-born coach and his coaching staff for the dedication, effort, and professionalism they have shown during the time they have been in charge of the first-team squad,” the statement read.
Cristobal Parralo, coach of Deportivo Fabril, will now step into the role of head coach until the season’s end, bringing a fresh perspective to the team. Mel, a seasoned coach with past stints at Real Betis and West Brom, faced a similar fate in January 2016 when he was relieved of his duties at Real Betis due to a poor run of form. The decision to restructure coaching responsibilities underscores the club’s commitment to rejuvenating their performance in La Liga Santander.
