Four Games to Go …

By: Cesar | May 18th, 2007

Four games to go, four points to make up, two derbies awaiting … there’s everything to play for …

This week, it’s Real Mallorca in Son Moix.
Since losing to Barcelona, Mallorca have been on a tear, winning four in a row to move up to 11th in Spain.
They’re not far from an Intertoto place, so they’ll be hungry. It’s these so-called ’small teams’ Valencia have the most trouble with, especially away from home. Los Che will need to be on their A-game to maintain the pressure at the top of the table.

Valencia are growing in confidence. Reports out of the club’s Paterna training ground have them talking championship. The squad believes it’s possible and everyone from Silva to Vicente to Quique have talked up their chances. As I said in a previous post, why not?

Ok, ok. Highly unlikely. But it’s something to shoot for.

The motivation is there. Like a true underdog, there’s nothing to lose here. I expect an all-out attack and a solid 2-0 victory … A POR LA LIGA!

Some tidbits:

- Edu, the Brazilian midfielder who came to us via Arsenal, has been freeze-dried and sent back to Brasil. Apparently, his knee hasn’t responded to treatment 6 months after tearing his ACL in a game against Sevilla. It’s too bad. This guy was our missing catalyst this season. His creativity and pace were in dire need. Unfortunately, his 2nd ACL tear in as many years left his knee in bad shape. Here’s wishing Edu all the best on his difficult road to recovery …

- Transfer confirmation time: Centerback Alexis (pictured, left) from Getafe is one of us. This was the worst-kept secret in Spanish football, but the youth international is joining us for 6 seasons at a transfer rate of around 6.5 million euros. In my opinion, a GREAT pickup. He, along with Albiol, Silva, Gavilan, Mata and Sunny, will form a strong nucleus in the years ahead. Not to mention the cover he provides now that current CB Roberto Ayala is sure to go to Villarreal. The 22-year old from Malaga’s youth cantera was quoted in Spanish tabloid MARCA as saying, ‘Ayala is Ayala and I am me, he’s a great centerback and I’m going to do the best I can and play.’ Classy comment. This kid’s going to be fine.

- Our president Juan Soler had these harsh words for the club administration team of Quique Sanchez and Amadeo Carboni: ‘Like I said, one could continue, the other could, both could or neither could. But until June 30th, I’m not going to say anything. All possibilities are open. At the end of the season, we’ll have an evaluation of their jobs this season and we’ll make the best decision for the club.’
Wow … that’s not exactly a vote of confidence, is it?

- From our favorite English paper, the Guardian and their … ‘tea-time take on the world of football, the Fiver comes this diddy …

Although purchasing Aston Villa would probably be cheaper, Chelsea will shoot for the stars by trying to sign the club’s Spanish namesake David from Valencia instead.

Don’t be on it!! See you after the games …