Koeman v. Quique
By: Cesar | January 25th, 2008
Former coach Quique Sanchez Flores did well in the 6 games after the devastating 3-0 loss to Villarreal to open the season.
Recreativo-Valencia 0-1
Valencia-Getafe 2-1
Betis-Valencia 1-2
Schalke 04-Valencia 0-1
Valencia-Valladolid 2-1
Almería-Valencia 1-2
Now if you remember those matches, we didn’t play so hot in all of them.
But we did come out with the maximum 15 points and a victory against Schalke 04 in Germany in the Champions League.
The trouble started on October 3, a 2-1 loss to Chelsea in Europe that sent us on a slide. 4 games later and QQ was gone.
Now current coach Ronald Koeman faces the same schedule, sans the Europe bit of course. And he thinks we shouldn’t be talking about the 15 points QQ garnered, because that would put too much pressure on the team.
Pressure? How about being 5 points from the relegation zone?
I can’t say I blame the guy. He’s trying to build something here and doesn’t need any comparisons to his predecessor, no matter how rubbish he was. Still, let’s hope the pressure of getting to Europe or doing well is enough to spur the team on. Almeria are a mere point behind us, at 26 points in the 10th spot in La Liga. We need points and we need to continue to play as well as we did against Atletico. But like, score more …
Anyways, small news bites:
- No Jo Alves this season. The CSKA striker’s staying with Moscow for now. Apparently the Russian squad wanted too much money. “We rejected Valencia’s offer and Jo will stay in CSKA”, Russian director Evgeny Giner said.
I didn’t see the need for him, anyways. Defender, anyone??
- Ruben Baraja’s hurt. Out for 3-4 weeks. Anyone surprised? He’s so fragile. Hurt almost every other match. Again, why did we let Albelda go and keep this guy?
- Albelda. He’s still here. Will this saga ever end? The transfer window closes in a few days and it looks bad for the Valencia captain. I really hope they can settle this and allow this guy the chance to play so he can qualify for the national team come Euro ‘08. What a shame and what a disgrace by Valencia if he doesn’t.
- Pablo Hernandez. Who’s he? Beats me. But he’s coming back from Getafe to strengthen our midfield. He’s supposedly a very good player and been garnering some flirtatious glances from other Spanish powerhouses.
Now why are we getting rid of Sunny? And what about Montoro, who looked decent enough? The midfield’s a position Koeman wants to improve.
Still, I wonder why we haven’t bid for any defenders.
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Comments
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the great wall of china,the berlin wall and the one and only millwall.im afraid ronald mc donald koeman is going to be remembered for the wall he is having built around the paterna training ground to keep the press out.you couldnt make it up,this bloke is turning the che into a joke.baraja was a great player for me but if you had to pick between him and albelda id say the wrong ones been shown the door.as far as im aware ronald the payaso has not explained why the three players were sacked,and sacked they are whatever the club are now saying.i think it would be better for all concerned if he gave his reasons,then just maybe we can move on.
Posted from
Spain
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If I had to pick between Albelda and Baraja I’d choose Baraja.
Baraja is not Valencian, yes. But he’s more a leader than Albelda, calm and ready, he’s ok to have around. Even on the bench he can help the team.
Albelda on the other hand runs things the way he wants, who’s in who’s out, and he creates a group of leaders by himself.
Back to the story, our defense needs improving def. But I like Koeman’s view, our midfield is very weak and we need some steal and grit injected into that area. Banega was signed to provide the smooth silky football Valencia used to play, Maduro with his physical prowess can take care of midfield in general (no need to be a great player for this job btw). Finally Marchena can play DMC.
We need 2 signings though, if we’re to make signings. Sign Ujfalusi+some LB. Ujfalusi can fix our RB problems if we do have any. In LB Moretti can’t do the job alone.
In CB I’d wait until summer. But I think it all goes down to sunday’s game. If our defense provides a shocking display we’ll strengthen with one CB.
If they do fine but upset in wednesday’s game vs Atletico we’re in shite. Late deals are usually overpriced.
Pablo is a very good player. Glad to have him back. We should sign Sisi back. I know we’ll end up having too much players but we could sell some of the extras to make room. There’s no harm in having one more, in pre-season Koeman shall see fit on who leaves (even though his decisions are sometimes bizzare).
Check the xtratime forum, Friki raves about Pablo. He’s a good poster who knows what he’s typing, we generally (I) trust him.
Posted from
United Arab Emirates -
I like Sisi. I actually think Koeman is getting a bit desperate. I love Baraja in his prime, but he is a paper doll now. Too injury prone. Remember when Ranieri brought in all those Italians when Soler came in and it messed up the chemistry. I have a bad feeling about Koeman. QQ, Carboni - ah those were the days.
Posted from
United States -
I personally like what Koeman is doing and even though I understand people might not like him till he delivers, talking of QQ+Carboni as a golden era doesnt make sense at all. Its their rivalry which started the decline and led us to the current state.
If at all I were to reminisce, it would be Rafa Benitez’ days. But reminiscing never helps if you are really concerned about the state of the team.
Posted from
United States
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