Marcelino has claimed that he was sacked as Valencia manager as a result of winning the Copa del Rey last season.

As well as winning Spain's domestic cup competition courtesy of a win over Barcelona in the final, Valencia also secured a place in the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish in La Liga.

However, despite his team's success over the past 12 months, Marcelino was surprisingly removed from his position in the dugout earlier this week.

In response to his sacking, the 54-year-old has suggested that not placing full focus on the club's league efforts is what has led to his shock exit from the Mestalla.

Marcelino told reporters: "I'm absolutely certain that what triggered this was the Copa. During the season, we received direct messages from certain people that we had to reject the Copa.

"But the fans wanted to fight for it. The players too and so did the coaching staff. Who would have told me that this would trigger this situation?

"We never received any congratulatory messages from the club owner [Peter Lim] after winning the Copa. When I went to Singapore on July 19, he only congratulated me for the Champions League qualification and not for the Copa. You can imagine my surprise."

Albert Celades has been brought in as Marcelino's replacement.