Let the Preseason Begin!
By: Javier |
256 Comments
Here we go!
If you are anything like me you have been just itching to see our beloved back on the pitch kicking a ball.
Ever summer its the same thing.
Months without knowing what awaits us in the new season.
This off season has been particularly cruel.
Villa has been sent off to further glory in Barcelona after brilliantly performing in the World Cup.
Silva and Zigic have moved on to cold wet england to enjoy deep fried everything.
What oh what are we to expect.
Our team dynamic has fundimentaly shifted from Villa being our miracle worker to who?
Who will be our champion?
Will Soldado lead us to further glory?
Today our Valencia CF starvation gets a small appetizer.
A taste of whats to come in the form of a friendly preseason match against Champions in the Saudi league.
Club Al Hilal.
Though we need to keep in mind this is a preseason training match;
we should at least get a glimse of what to expect team wise.
Emery really has his work cut out for him.
We are talking about a drastic change in personel and making this team mesh is going to be vital.
I have no doubt we picked up some solid players but having them gel in such a short time period will not be easy.
I for one look forward to the match and to once again cheering GOOOOOL!
Al Hilal should be a walk in the park.
AMUNT VALENCIA!!!
Javier De Roque
Category: Team News
Aduriz is here.
By: Javier | 68 Comments
So we have made what seems to be our final signing of the offseason.
Aritz Aduriz.
here is his bio for those who are interested.
Brought up through the ranks of the famed Lezama youth system at Athletic de Bilbao, although he arrived there at already 19, from amateurs CD Aurrerá de Vitoria, Aduriz made his first-team debut on September 14, 2002 against FC Barcelona, in a 0–2 home loss. He went on to spend almost three seasons (one in Burgos CF, one and-a-half in Real Valladolid) in the second division, before returning to Athletic in January 2006.[1]
Aduriz showed continuous progress ever since, attested by his nine goals in 34 games in the 2006–07 season, including a hat-trick against Real Zaragoza on May 19, 2007 (albeit in a 3–4 defeat).[2] In the following campaign, he was overshadowed by teammate Fernando Llorente, but still managed seven goals in 33 league appearances.
On August 4, 2008, Aduriz became the first player to score at the Colchester Community Stadium, in a friendly match against Colchester United. On the 25th, Athletic Bilbao announced he had been sold to RCD Mallorca, signing a four-year contract.[3]
On October 26, Aduriz scored a brace for his new club, in a 3–0 home success over RCD Espanyol, and finished his first year as the side’s topscorer, for a final 9th position. He repeated the individual feat in the 2009–10 season – improving to 12 – as the Balearic Islands side ranked higher (fifth, with UEFA Europa League qualification).
29-year old Aduriz moved to Valencia CF on 14 July 2010, for about €4 million.
With the aquisition of Aduriz our attacking squad is now fully complete.
The Valencia CF we see this season is going to be vastly different to the team we saw last year.
Predictions are going to be difficult;
No more Villa and no more Silva, two players renown for creating plays and goals out of virtually nothing are gone.
In their place are now players with perhapse less creativity but are certainly stronger physically and more straightforward.
It is unlikely we will see Soldado double covered in every match the way we saw Villa covered.
What did surprize me is that Emery seems to want to stick to the single forward up front.
This 4-3-3 has become very popular lately at the top stages of football and it seems Emery is also a fan of the strategy.
The only issue i see is that a single forward is great when you have a star striker like Villa or Ibra or Higuain backed up by equally prolific and dangerous attacking wingers like Silva, Messi and Ronaldo.
Valencia are curently going to be lacking the Silva.
Who will take the place of attacking midfielder?
Chori?
The risk is this.
If Joaquin or Mata fail to have a breakout season this year then we could see goals dry up.
This season is going to be a real test for our wingers.
In other news David Villa may no longer be a Valencia player but he is still the best forward in the World.
A World Cup Champion and also a real humble and all around good person.
He said some really nice things about Valencia and i wish him only the best in Barcelona.
Its unlikely Valencia will win the league so lets are hope Villa gets to add that title he so much deserves as well.
Commenting on the signings of Roberto Soldado, Aritz Aduriz, Sofiane Feghouli, Alberto ‘Tino’ Costa, Mehmet Topal and Ricardo Costa, ‘El Guaje’ said that Valencia’s summer moves “have been perfect” and that the club had added players with “youth and hunger”.With respect to his own departure, Villa commented: “A club like Valencia is much larger than an individual player. Throughout history there have been players who have left, but the club has retained its status.”
Villa expressed his appreciation to los Che for “five years of happiness” and promised to “continue enjoying Valencia from a distance”, with the exception of matches in which he will confront his former team in a Blaugrana shirt.
Well according to Spanish news the leaked schedule was not accurate and was simply a test for the website where it was posted.
The real schedule will be created today.
Ill post it as soon as i see its available.
Is anyone else just crazed with butterflies in their stomach in anticipation of the new season.
I for one will be going to every preseason match i can.
Im suffering from Mestalla withdrawl.
AMUNT VALENCIA!!
Javier De Roque
Category: Team NewsESPAÑA !!! WORLD CHAMPIONS !!!
By: Javier | 114 Comments
Im back from my World Cup party.
WE WON!!
SPAIN are finally crowned the World Cup Champions.
And they did it playing gorgeous football.
This World Cup Squad has been the best i have ever seen.
And while we will sadly be missing Silva and Villa from Valencia at least we can look on with pride that Valencia created two of the worlds best players.
Also Valencia fans can rejoice that we have Marchena and Mata two fine examples of World Cup Champion that will fight for us every weekend.
With the end of the World Cup we now turn our sights back to home.
Valencia have been busy lately.
As i already mentioned Silva has moved on to Manchester City for a reported 35 million.
Valencia have signed Tino Costa.
The Argentine midfielder joins Valencia at 25 and is expected to add a more attack in the middle.
Tino was quoted
“I have a thousand things to say, but right now I just want to thank the people at the club for having so much confidence in me, a club like Valencia, one of the biggest in Europe. Since I was a child, I have followed this club, which has had players Argentine players like Kily González, Aimar, Ayala… It is a great pride in this sense. Hopefully, all goes well.”
I will be the first to admit i have not seen very much of this player on the field.
Here are some highlights
Valencia have also signed defender Ricardo Costa.
If you watched the World Cup you would have had the pleasure of watching the new Valencia defender play for Portugal during the round of 16.
Ricardo Costa did a fairly decent job of containing Villa but ultimately was outclassed and finally expelled from the match near the end.
Not the most impressive match to behold for our next potential right back but then again he was up against Villa.
So lets not bash him just yet.
A strange offer has come in the form of a possible loan move of French national Trezeguet.
Not sure yet if this rumour can be taken seriously or not though it is known that valencia are certainly looking to aquire the services of at least one more forward.
However Trezeguet is 33. Do we need him?
Even if Valencia are unable to gain the forward they want we certainly arent hurt in that department with Soldado being the key forward backed up by the likes of Mata, Chori and the young Cantera call ups.
I personally would move to do a swap or trade for Llorente from Bilbao who has been impressive and would pair up very well with Soldado.
Thats all for now i am back from my World Cup break so expect further updates soon.
AMUNT ESPAÑA AMUNT VALENCIA !!!!!
Javier De Roque
Here is a link to pictures of Valencia Celebrating the Victory !!
http://comunidad.superdeporte.es/galeria-multimedia/FUTBOL/Valencia-echa-calle/16120/1.html
Category: Team NewsSilva on his way out.
By: Javier | 280 Comments
Press reports indicate the David Silva is about to follow his team mates Villa and Zigic out the door.
Rumours began when it was made public that Silva’s agent would be free to begin negociations with Manchester City.
Todays papers all rumour that Silva is about to sign with the wealthy Priemiership team any day now.
€35 million is the agreed to amount offered by Manchester City after reportedly agreeing terms on a four year deal with the Premier League club.
It is understood that despite an 11th hour bid from Chelsea to land Silva, City boss Roberto Mancini convinced the Spain star that he would be a key member of the City first team, which prompted him to agree terms with the Citizens.
According to Super Deporte, the two clubs had already come to an agreement on a fee of between €30-35 million for Silva but there was some doubt as to whether the player would be willing to move to a club that will not compete in the UEFA Champions League next season.
That now appears to have been resolved.
Valencia are clearly becoming the place to shop for bargains. Villa one of the top strikers in the world goes to Barca for a mere 40 million.
Now Silva.. widely considered to be one of the worlds most versatile midfielders for 35 million.
No player of his calibur would be traded for so little.
Valencia have no negociation ability.
Barcelona have already attempted to tempt Fabregas to Barca with a 55 million euro offer and it was rebuffed. Fabregas is no where near as good.
Barcelona offered 40 million plus Ibrahimovic for Fernando Torres to Liverpool and it was also rejected. Torres is no where near as good as Villa.
Zigic also left for peanuts.
Is it just me or do Valencia lack a negociator with balls.
When barca offered 30 million for Dani Alves Sevilla laughed at them and said they wouldnt trade untill a serious offer was made. A season later that offer came.
I think its idiotic to sell a player cheap when one season later you may well recieve 10-15 million more for him. Especially when those players are the key reason your team has reached the champions league.
Reaching the champions league alone will gain Valencia 15 million. So if we sell Silva for 35 and fail to gain champions league qualification. in reality we only gained 20 million for the exit of Silva.
On to better news.
Spain qualified top of their group and are on to the next round.
it was scary there for a while but int he end they did it.
Former Valencia man Villa achieved most goals scored in a world cup for Spain after a gorgeous goal from midfield.
i miss him already.
Also… wtf
Bon Jovi is a Valencia fan.
Well i was never a fan of his music but +3 i like points for showing his spirit 
AMUNT VALENCIA!
Javier De Roque
Category: Team NewsWhats up with Transfer Targets?
By: Javier | 186 Comments
So Valencia appear to still be in the market for yet another midfielder and striker.
Pardon my ignorance…
But..
Isnt this the team thats broke?
I understand that with the sale of Villa we were in drastic need of finding another goal scorer to take his place ont he pitch.
Soldado fills that spot at the cost of 10 million.
Not chump change, but when you consider that Villa cost us 12 million 5 seasons ago then it may be a very good price if Soldado keeps up his form.
We also have already signed
- Portugal DF Ricardo Costa
- France MF Sofiane Feghouli
- Turkey MF Mehmet Topal
Costa i understand as our defence seems to take a beating. But why we needed to sign two more midfielders with yet another being targeted seems a tad excessive.
Even before Baraja left Valencia i dont think it could be said that we lacked numbers int he midfield.
This is our current midfield choices.
Vicente, Mata, Jordi Alba, Silva, Banega, Albelda, Marchena, Fernandes, Chori, Joaquin, Pablo, Fegouli, Topal, Michel and on loan we have Nacho, Viana and Sunny.
So why are we hunting for another midfielder if money is in short supply?
Even if Silva and Joaquin were to be sold we would have a vast number of players with the ability to fill his spot on the pitch.
We are also hunting for another forward.
Personally i would rather work with what we already have.
Soldado is going to play no matter what just as Villa did for us;
So now i say we pair him up with a youngster to create a dynamic attack in a 4-4-2 format.
Pairing him with Mata , Olcina , Chori or Aarón Ñíguez is something i would recomend rather than splashing more money on a forward that is going to damand a minimum of 1.5 million a season.
We have talent in the cantera… lets give them a chance to shine. And if they do shine we can sell them for big cash later to make us profitable again.
With the departure of Villa its obvious that we are all going to see a very different play style from Valencia this season.
The days of the single magician up front are over.
If Emery can convert the team to a new style i think we can still make the top 4 again this up comming season.
With or without Silva.
Dont get me wrong.
I wanna see Silva in a Valencia shirt next season and the season after that too.
AMUNT VALENCIA !
Javier De Roque
PS. I cant wait for the Furia Roja to tear it up at the mundial.
Category: Team NewsIts Official.
By: Javier | 50 Comments
So its official.
Today Spanish international striker Roberto Soldado has signed for four seasons with Valencia CF.
Soldado, 25, started his career on the Real Madrid training programme before joining Getafe in 2008.
Soldado is officially Villa’s replacement attempt though he was quoted saying
“I’m not here to replace anyone, I’m here to do my job,”
Soldado is a Valencia born natural striker.
Last year he scored 16 goals for getafe making him the second highest scoring Spaniard in la Liga.
Not too shabby.
And that was with Getafe.
I wonder how he will do with Silva, Banega Joaquin and Vicente all setting him up.
That is assuming any of those players will still be with us 4 months from now.
Here is Soldado’s Wiki Bio for any interested on who we just aquired.
Born in Valencia, Soldado joined Real Madrid at the age of 15 from local small club CF Don Bosco. After seasons of prolific goalscoring with the club’s B team, he made his first team debuts on October 23, 2005, against Valencia CF, playing 18 minutes in a 1–2 home loss. Previously, on September 28, he scored an 86th minute winner, after just six minutes on the pitch, in the the season’s UEFA Champions League contest against Olympiakos FC (2–1 home win),[1] adding a late equalizer against CA Osasuna and another in a 3–2 away success at Racing de Santander, as Real finished second in the league, also netting in the 4–0 Spanish Cup victory against Athletic Bilbao.In 2005–06, with Castilla, Soldado scored 19 goals in the second division (two penalties) to become joint-second highest goalscorer, alongside Ciudad de Murcia’s José Juan Luque, one goal behind Nigerian Ikechuwku Uche, of Recreativo de Huelva.
On July 24, 2006, Soldado officially became the first member of Real Madrid to leave under new manager Fabio Capello and new president Ramón Calderón. Soldado left on a one-season loan to fellow top flight club Osasuna. Set to score goals and return to Real Madrid as a better footballer, Soldado stated: “The idea is to leave and have a good season with a first division team scoring goals, and to develop as a footballer”.[2] Osasuna had finished fourth in the previous campaign, to earn themselves a place in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, hence Soldado chose them over a number of other Spanish clubs competing for his presence. “The following year I want to return to the Real first team. I chose Osasuna because it gives me the chance to play in the Champions League”, Soldado said to Real Madrid’s website after his signing. He would finish 2006–07 with a total of 14 goals, making him Osasuna’s highest scorer, with 11 of those coming in the league.
Soldado returned to Real Madrid where, on July 11, 2007, he renewed his contract with the team until June 30, 2012.[3] In a July 21 interview with Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Soldado revealed that he would be wearing number 9 shirt on this new Madrid stint. “During the preseason I’ll be number 9, the number I’ve always dreamed of. When I step onto the pitch at the Bernabéu I’ll remember all the hard work it took to get here”. However, he would finish the season with just five league appearances (one start, at Deportivo de La Coruña), the second with fewer minutes for the league champions.
In late July 2008, Soldado was sold to Getafe CF for €4 millions, signing a four-year deal with the side from the Madrid outskirts,[4] as former Real midfielder Esteban Granero in the previous week. He scored his first goal for the club on October 19, 2008, in a 1–2 loss at Málaga CF, adding two in another away defeat, with Osasuna (2–5), two months later. In between, he was sent off in a 0–3 home loss against Valencia, for head-butting Carlos Marchena.
On January 25, 2009, Soldado netted an hat-trick as an early substitute, in a 5–1 home win against Sporting de Gijón. On March 22, as Getafe struggled mightily in the league, he scored twice to secure another home triumph, 2–1 with Recreativo de Huelva. The following month, Soldado netted the opener against his first professional club, albeit in a 2–3 away defeat.
Soldado started 2009–10 in impressive fashion, putting three past Racing Santander, in a 4–1 away success. After a long scoring drought, he added three more against newly promoted Xerez CD, in a 5–1 home win.
On December 19, 2009, Soldado took his league tally to ten after scoring twice in a 2–1 win at Sevilla FC; with this achievement, he became Getafe’s best scorer ever in the first division, surpassing Manu del Moral and Daniel Güiza; he missed one month of competition due to injury but, in his return to action, scored from a bicycle kick, earning his side a point in the 1–1 home draw against Sporting de Gijón.
In early June 2010, after a successful year at Getafe – 16 league goals, club qualified for the UEFA Europa League – Soldado returned to his hometown and signed with Valencia for about €10 millions.
So now that the Soldado saga has been put to rest i can comfortably look forward to seeing la Furia Roja play in the world cup.
I for one am truly looking forward to seeing Villa score.
My prediction is Villa will score 7 goals.
Watching current and former Valencia stars play for Spain is a very proud moment for all Valencia fans.
I cant wait.
VIVA ESPANA !!!!!
Javier De Roque
Category: Team NewsSoldado about to sign with Valencia.
By: Javier | 59 Comments
The latest reports say that Getafe have agreed to sell Soldado for 8.5 million euros.
Soldado tonight is in Valencia and is on the verge of signing a 4 or 5 season contract.
Llorente was quoted on Canal Nou that “it will be difficult to substitute Villa. We are looking for someone to cover his position, someone who can give some hope to the fans. Soldado could well be that player.”
Llorente also talked about his role in the Valencia presidency and pointed out that he had reduced the club’s debts from 550 million euros to 440 million taking over last summer.
That is indeed quite a feat.
He also made promises that although players are being sold to reorganize the club and restabalize the clubs financial situation, that the club’s ability to compete will not be affected.
Well that remains to be seen.
Villa being sold is a huge hit to our goal tally ability but Soldado will be a great aquisition for sure.
Now selling Silva i think would be silly right now.
Silva is the necessary play maker.
So unless the offer is rediculous.
I would hold on to Silva.
The current brides to be are Real Madrid , Manchester City and now Inter who will soon be led by none other than Rafael Benitez.
Benitez is a long time fan of Silvas and wants to make Silva the prize he brings with him to Milan.
Other news.
Pako Ayestarán is officially out of Valencia on June 30th.
Valencia made the news officially to media today and it seems that Ayestaran is the latest casualty of the Valencia restructuring program.
Emery wants Aduriz.
Now that the Soldado transfer is nearly complete Emery wants to also snatch up Aduriz to complement the attack.
Keep in mind that also joining Valencia’s ranks at least for the preseason will be Paco Alcácer and Aarón Ñíguez.
Alcacer has been very impressive.
I cant wait to see him play.
Well for those of you who didnt watch the Spain Poland friendly.
Villa scored yet again. And so did Silva.
SPAIN 6 – 0 POLAND
Spain look impressive.. Please oh please finally win the Cup.
AMUNT VALENCIA !
Javier De Roque
Category: Team NewsGomez Sacked? And other news.
By: Javier | 149 Comments
Today club president Llorente dropped quite the bomb shell.
This afternoon Llorente announced the dismissal of Valencia CF sporting director Fernando Gomez.
Early reports seem to indicate that the dismissal was part of Llorente’s new economic adjustment plan which has been iniciated to reduce club costs.
Tomorro the Valencia CF board of directors will meet with Llorente to further discuss the restructuring of the club and more information should become available.
Fernando Gomez still had one more year left in his contract which was set to expire June of 2011. As a result the club will still have to pay him out the remainder of his contract.
More Soldado news.
Soldado was quoted as saying that he would love to play for Valencia.
He said this after it has become clear that Soldado has three potential futures.
One with Valencia and Champions League play.
One with Atletico Madrid and the last one to stay at Getafe.
Getafe president Ángel Torres last week made it perfectly clear that any team wanting to pry the proficient striker from Getafe will have to pay his buyout clause of 10 million.
Torres also said that the future of the young star will be decided in a weeks time.
Silva has no offers.
Thats what Llorente declared when asked about the future of David Silva.
Despite prolific rumours linking Silva to several Primiership clubs.
Manchester City, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC and Manchester United have all declared interest in the young midfielder but if Llorente is to be believed nobody is talking cash.
Llorente did send out a warning to the potential suitors however.
“The sale depends on the possible offer and Silva is worth a lot of money.”
How much is alot?
The target sum seems to be in the range of 35 million euroes realisitcally.
Though some rumours have been heard talking about 50 million which could happen if compitition between rival bids heats up.
Well what do you all think?
AMUNT VALENCIA!
Javier De Roque
Category: Team NewsTransfer News
By: Javier | 233 Comments
So here is a short breakdown of the current transfer news so far. And ill throw in a few of the rumours as well.
Sorry about the lack of updates but i just started a new job here in Valencia and i havent had much time between work wife and baby.
So whats been going down.
Valencia have snapped up French midfielder Sofiane Feghouli from Grenoble.
The 20-year-old, who suffered relegation out of Ligue 1 in 2009/10, has penned a four-year contract.
The talented playmaker has plenty of first-team experience for one so young, as he made the breakthrough in his homeland while still in his teens.
He is now hoping that a switch to Spain will see him develop further and allow him to force his way into international reckoning.
The signing of the youngster is a bit of a gamble for cash strapped Valencia though because he has only recently recovered from a long term injury that has plagued him.
Vicente anyone?
Well lets hope not.
He has shown alot of promise and if he can be a breakout player like Ever Banega was this season we may have a solid midfield to brag about.
Zigic is now a Birmingham player after passing his medical this afternoon.
The transfer valued at 7 million euroes was completed quickly and will help Valencia quite a bit financially.
Especially since Zigic was not considered as part of Emery’s overall team plan.
Birmingham tried last season to sign the giant but was unable to complete the paperwork on time.
Michel is off to Deportivo for a season.
This loan should prove very valuable to the youngster who clearly has some talent and alot of heart.
Last season Michel was not part of Emery’s first choice players and a move to Deportivo can certainly give him some 1st team experience.
I look forward to seeing him perform.
So what are the latest transfer rumours.
Well apart from Silva possibly moving to Madrid which i have my doubts.
The largest story is that Valencia are looking at Soldado to replace Villa as Valencia’s goal scorer.
Ángel Torres president of Getafe has been quoted as saying that he has so far recieved several offers from Liga clubs looking to sign Soldado.
Valencia being one of them
However he said that if anyone wanted to sign him they would have to pay his buyout clause which is set at 10 million euroes.
That is a price Valencia may be unwilling to pay.
Llorente in a press conference yesterday was also quoted saying there are alot of strikers to choose from and that Soldado was not Valencia’s only option.
Though it could be he case it sounded more like he was letting Valencia fans get ready for the letdown of failing to sign Soldado if Getafe do not alter their demands.
One such alternative has been named as Betis forward Sergio Garcia. (another betis boy to play with Joaquin)
Well i hope that sates a touch of thirst this week.
Lets all hope Silva stays put and Soldado signs on.
AMUNT VALENCIA !
Javier De Roque
Category: Team News” Villa Never Told Us He Wanted To Leave. “
By: Javier | 193 Comments
Llorente in a press conference today at 11:30 confirmed the transfer of Villa to Barcelona .
During the conference Llorente made it clear that the 40 million euroes was the price that Valencia set as a condition for the sale of Villa, he also made it clear that this will not be the only player that could leave.
“No descarto más salidas”.
He did admit however that at this very moment there was no offers for other players at this time.
The president stated that the whole transfer negociation was done in a very short timeframe of less than 48 hours. This was due to a promise to Villa that any transfer would be resolved very quickly to avoid more tabloid nonsence that really bothered him last summer.
The president also stated that Villa deserved recognition due to his history with the club and what he has accomplished. He deserves a homage. “Se merece todos los homenajes posibles” And he confirmed that he will try to create some sort of recognizing of his achievements as soon as possible.
Llorente made it very clear that Villa did not pressure the club at ant time.
“no ha presionado para nada. Él estaba muy bien en Valencia. La operación la ha movido el Valencia. El nos dejó claro que asumiría la decisión del club”
“he did not pressure us at all. He was very happy in Valencia. The club started that transfer. He made it very clear that the decisions would be of the club.”
Llorent also confirmed that Villa could have been sold last year but they decided to risk it and maintain the current structure in order to qualify for the Champions League and gain the income from qualification.
His last point was that the economic situation continues to be precarious and that it was their job to return the club to ecomomic stability and that the were going to work on it.
For us fans this is certainly not what we wanted to hear.
Villa has been our hero for a long time.
He led us through the tough times and has always remained loyal and humble.
Villa will be missed. This is a watershed and end of an era for Valencia.
Next season it simply will not be the same team. Villa and Baraja were Valencia.
Now we see that those days are gone and a new face will take the lead.
Who will it be?
Its hard to say.
I have faith in Valencia.
We shall overcome this as we have always overcome.
But for now its tears and heartbreak.
Good Bye Villa. I miss you.
Javier De Roque
Category: Team News
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