On Towards the Season …

By: Cesar | August 6th, 2008

Being a Valencia fan isn’t easy.

We’ve all known that for some time now, since the good ol’ days when QQ Sanchez Flores and Amedeo Carboni feuded over everything from transfers to who’d sit next to Juan Soler at official dinners.

But those days of yore seem far away, what with the comings and goings at the club this past year.

One person who isn’t leaving after being fired last season is former captain David Albelda.
You have to feel for the guy, whatever your feelings about his play and demeanor are.

“These months have been hard for me and I just want others to talk about me in terms of my work. I’m a Valencia CF player and all I need is peace and absolute normality to train properly. My intention is concentrating on the game and giving my best performances.

“There’s a refreshing, positive wind of change as new people have joined. If things go smoothly I think we can struggle to a title - we have sought-after players and a good team.”

Optimistic, isn’t he?

He’s right about one thing: we have sought after players.

We all know who these guys are …

Concerning David Silva, is he staying or is he leaving? Seems talks have been under way between his agent and the Valencia board to up his salary. In typical fashion, they want to make this episode as dramatic as possible, so they’ll meet again in the week to shore up an agreement. We think. Silva wants to stay. But the way this is going, who knows?

If they don’t raise his salary, Silva may be off to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Roma, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Manchester United, the New York Jets, the New York Yankees, etc etc etc … you get the idea.

One way or the other, this may have a conclusion in the next few days.

Speaking of upping someone’s salary, step over king Joaquin wants more money. But the board’s said no. No way, Joaquin. But they want him to stay.

Will Valencia pony up? Time will tell.

David Villa? My heart tells me he isn’t going anywhere, no matter what the football press wants us to believe.

Another guy that wants to stay … well, come … is Mallorca goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moyá, who has told his club he wants to play for Los Che now now now.

Moya’s throwing a fit, sitting down, banging his feet and fists against the floor in a rage until he gets his way. Good lad.

Apparently the 24-year-old has argued that his loyalty over the years means he deserves the chance for a shot at the big time with one of Spain’s larger clubs.

Valencia. Big club. Thanks.

Add a name to the depressing list of players we won’t be getting this summer: Manchester United striker Louis Saha. Apparently, we’re interested.

Ever Banega. Remember him? Me neither.
He’s off, or so we think, with a possible move to Atletico Madrid in the works. I think this is a major mistake, as I believe the lad has some great football in him. But what do I know, right?

Rafael Van Der Vaart. Remember him? The guy that wanted to come to Valencia so badly but is off to Real Madrid instead? He talked about us during his presentation at the Bernabeu yesterday, saying, ‘Last year, things were different. Valencia wanted me and they’re a fantastic club. But this year Madrid were interested. I’m happy to be at this club, which is the best in the world.’

Uggh …

Arizmendi. Remember him? He of the wonder goal against Van Der Vaart’s Madrid last season? He might be off. Am I the only one who could care less?

This Saturday, it’s pre-season action in preparation for next weekend’s Super Copa against the aforementioned Madrid when we travel to St. James Park to play Newcastle United.

I expect coach Unai Emery to incorporate the European champions into the game more, as only Albiol played in last week’s game against Borussia Monchengladbach.

I also expect Emery to continue to press the club to play better defense, as that’s been their downfall. Should be a fun one either way.

Any of you going to Newcastle? Please send pics!

FC Barcelona’s here in New York for a friendly against the New York Red Bulls tonight. Part of me wants to go to support American soccer. Another part of me could care less. There’s no love lost between me and Barca. I just don’t like them. But you can’t deny they’d be fun to watch, what with future Valencia star Samuel Eto’o on the team.

What do you think? Should I make my way there or sit at home watching Seinfeld re-runs?