A Fork in the Road

By: Cesar | February 10th, 2008

Looks like the winning ways are back at the Mestalla, courtesy of a 3-1 victory against Real Betis.

That’s our first victory at home since late November and it’s about time. Who would have thunk at the beginning of the season that it would take THIS LONG for us to win a game at the Mestalla in the middle of the season … absolute lunacy. Anyways, that’s the way it is.

David Villa scored twice and added an assist, showing critics that his long dry spell may finally be over. Unfortunately, there was a controversial moment late in the 1st half when Villa appeared to handle the ball before laying it off to Silva for the assist and goal.

Well, nothing comes easy these days. At least we won. With the victory, we’re in 9th place with 33 points, 1 point from Racing Santander and a place in next season’s UEFA Cup, 8 points from Atletico Madrid and a spot in the Champions League.

So all is NOT lost. There’s still a lot to play for …

Meanwhile, Villa could be gone, with England a prime landing spot.

With Chelsea and Spurs both chasing a forward, El Guaje has fuelled the fires of speculation by stating that a move to the Premier League is an exciting prospect.

Villa said of the idea to Sky Sports, “I am happy at the interest within the Premier League and this is my dream if I leave Spain.”

Meanwhile, embattled Valencia sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz said, “If we receive a formal offer, we’ll study it.”

So that’s why he’s playing well.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: If he wants to leave, LEAVE. With the money we get from his sale, we’ll buy two talented youngsters who actually want to be here. Good luck in England because you’ll need it, Mr. Villa. The Premier League isn’t La Liga. You won’t be allowed acres of green to dance and do cross-overs. He’ll learn that soon enough …

And more news, as word’s leaked that Ronnie Koeman wants to ax even more Valencia players. According to the news today, Tintin wants to ax Mora, Miguel, Caneira, Sunny, Edu, Baraja, Morientes, Zigic, Mata, Vicente.

So basically, half the squad.

If this is true, someone needs to talk sense into the man. Why get rid of Mata, who’s looked pretty impressive the past few weeks?

What about Sunny, the talented midfielder who’s been given zero chances by the Dutch maestro? Miguel, Baraja and Morientes, I understand. But Zigic? Vicente? Edu?

C’mon …

Maybe he’s serious about this … maybe they’re intending to sell Villa and the rest of the squad, cash in these valuable assets and make a run at some new talent, completely overhauling the squad?

These are tricky times at the Mestalla and Valencia have truly reached a fork in the road.

On one side, a run at the Champions League. On the other, a path straight into oblivion.
Who knows where Mr. Koeman, Mr. Ruiz and Juan Soler are leading us?

I hope they know what they’re doing. By all indications, the jury is still out …