Keoman Lays Down the Law

By: Cesar | November 9th, 2007

You have to give it to new coach Ronald Koeman.
He’s already trying to instill his vision on the team.

Ahead of tomorrow’s rumble with Murcia at the Mestalla, the former Barcelona superstar was candid in his assessment of what he’s seen in his short time at the helm of Club Che. And he doesn’t like what he’s seen.

“We need order both on and off the pitch. We must be together, as a group, as a squad and as a club,” he said on Friday.

“Those are the basics for the team to be able to work well, because we have sufficient quality to win games.” I think we’d all say so …

Valencia are fourth with 21 points - four behind leaders Real Madrid - and Koeman believes our heroes can maintain a strong challenge this season.

“We need to look forward. With more confidence, we will be able to fight at the top of the table. I want us to be mentally strong and express ourselves, but that is difficult at the moment, especially if the players doubt themselves.”

Koeman also revealed he has already spotted some flaws in the team’s play and said the players are working hard on the training pitch to improve.

“I have seen things I don’t like, I have spoken with the captains and the group about how we need to work and we are looking to put those things right,” he said. Hmm, I wonder what he’s talking about here …

The former PSV Eindhoven and Benfica coach hopes the team can improve their indifferent home form, which has now seen them lose five times this season at the Mestalla in league and European competition.

“At home the players want to do well, but there are some tough moments mentally. We can talk about that and work on it, but the team needs to show their spirit on the pitch. I hope we can do that.”

We all do, Ron. We’re with you there.

In light of his comments, Koeman dropped winger Joaquin and midfielder Manuel Fernandes from tomorrow’s first team.

This is strange. Joaquin’s been one of the bright lights for Valencia this season. Is he resting the former Betis star or is he being disciplined for something he’s seen?

As for Fernandes, we all know of their past history at Benfica and the problems they experienced with one another. Could this be a lingering problem that will fester at the Turian capital? One hopes this isn’t the case, because Manuel looked wicked against Real Mallorca last week.

This is a very winnable game against a club that isn’t that strong. Murcia began the season brightly after winning promotion to the first division, but have struggled to find their best form of late and have now won only once in their last five matches.

Valencia need this match. They’re coming off another embarrasing loss in the Champions League and need to show the fans they’re getting on the right path.

Koeman seems to be saying the right things. Let’s hope his tactics and rhetoric actually translate into victory and 3 points tomorrow.