Euro Vase Action Against Dynamo Kiev

By: Cesar | February 18th, 2009

It’s Dynamo Kiev in the Yooefa Cup tonight and while temperatures could be well below freezing come game time, this is a match Valencia needs to win – for morale more than anything.

Coach Unai Emery knows what the deal is. He’s hoping a trip far, far away will help his players steer their season back on track.

“This is a good opportunity for the team to refocus and rediscover themselves,” Emery said during the pre-match press call.

“But it will not be an easy game because Dynamo are a tough rival who are coming into the competition via the Champions League,” he cautioned, “But my team are prepared for the cold and the snow.”

Emery then went on to point out that the team have been living through two different extremes this term: “We have demonstrated out consistency in the league and that’s why we are still on target to achieve the club’s objectives. But ever since the game against Villarreal (3-3), the dynamics of the team have become negative, and it is necessary to turn things around,” he stressed, a deep furrow developing in his forehead as a bead of sweat trickled down his neck.

The Basque-born coach also had to defend the stern criticism of his own team following the 1-1 draw at Malaga at the weekend.

“It was directed at everyone and not to any one player in particular. No one has disappointed me but it is necessary to be demanding in order to remain competitive. I’m happy with the attitude of my players because they have a lot of desire. Perhaps their only mistake against Malaga was that they showed too much anxiety.” (This is a problem I exhibit as well. Maybe I can hire Emery to help me out?)

Emery has also confirmed that injured players, Miguel and Emiliano Moretti will travel with the squad in an attempt to build team unity and morale.

(By the way, what do you guys think of the brand-spanking new Goal.com? Fancy, eh? But same old content … blah …)

Diminutive David Silva, who hasn’t exactly been the best player on Levante soil of late, says we need a win.

“To win, in any shape or form, is what is important, because we have had a bad run of form and we must get out of this as soon as possible,” he declared.

The winger claimed that they must “focus on the two competitions [La Liga and the Yooefa Cup]” that they are in as they are “within their objectives and now is an important stage of the season”.

Silva, who has not played for most of the season due to injury, told how he believes they must “get tough” if they are to reach their goals.

He also looked forward to their clash with Dynamo Kiev and admitted they have not analyzed it a lot, but “I know they are a great team and know about some players in particular.”

So basically, he knows as much as I do.

I know practically nothing about this Kiev side. I watched a Champions League match of theirs against Arsenal this past year and felt they had some quality on their side, but one game does not make a team. (Imagine if they’re basing their opinion of us on our shellacking at the hands of Barcelona … or Real Madrid … or Bilbao. Oh wait …)

Anyways, Kiev haven’t played a competitive match in about a month. Not that this matters. The “Bilo-Syni” (White-Blues) will be looking to make an impression on their Spanish guests.

Kiev coach Yuri Semin claimed we were the only team he didn’t want to face in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup.

The Ukrainian club’s boss has had to prepare for this tie by keeping his players fit with friendlies and training as they have not played competitively since December 10 when they beat Fenerbahce before exiting the Champions League.

Kiev finished three points behind runners-up Arsenal in Group G of European football’s elite club competition and four behind winners Porto, but generally held their own.

Three clean sheets in six matches and only two defeats shows just how good Semin’s team can be, and we’ll have to be at our best to take something fruitful from the cold, snowy first leg.

Goal.com’s prediction?

Valencia’s season could start going downhill as their financial problems begin to take precedence, and a long trip to Ukraine will not be something that they will be relishing. Even though Dynamo Kiev have not played competitively for two months they are still in shape and will be too good for their visitors.

Dynamo Kiev 2 – 0 Valencia

We’ll find out in a few hours.