Phil Ball

By: Cesar | October 8th, 2007

The wonderful La Liga scribe Phil Ball has an entire article devoted to Valencia on the Soccernet.com page today … here’s a small excerpt.

Spain quakes as it realises that seven of Valencia’s players are in Luis Aragonés’ squad to play the crucial qualifier in Denmark next weekend, although with David Villa limping off in the first half, it looks like the contingent will be reduced to six. Manager Quique Sánchez Flores quakes as he realises, once again, that a section of the crowd don’t want him around. Sánchez has a haunted look about him, like a man who hasn’t slept much recently.

He also discusses Levante’s cup win from the 1930’s, which I posted about a few months ago and last week.

Have a read at the article here!

What do you think?

Category: Blogroll, Champions League, Spain, Spain La Liga, Team News

Tags: Blogroll, Champions League, Spain, Spain La Liga, Team News

« Reader Comments | Home | Memories »

Subscribe   The Offside RSS Feeds

Print

Share

Comments  

• Daniel |  October 8th, 2007 at 10:23 am

  
  
  

  To Franky,
  Glad you realize you’re the only person who still supports QQ. Mr. “Angulo and Arizmendi on the wings” really has no business coaching our team, the players can only do so much with poor tactics.

  Hope we turn things around, but honestly I think we hardly have a ghost of a chance at any titles with our current gaffer. The worst part is, if we are successful that twit will think that its his doing as opposed to the world class talent at his disposal.

  All you guys are right though, this is a great blog. Would be great if you guys were in the NYC are and we could have these debates at Nevada’s, start a penya and who knows maybe have David Villa stop by when he’s holidaying Stateside

  Posted from United States

  

• hoser |  October 8th, 2007 at 10:35 am

  
  
  

  Hey, the NYC thing could be fun. It’s always nice to meet a fellow Che fan. I’ll have to keep that in mind for the future, as I’m in Canada for the summers, Ontario, being a Canadian and all.

  Posted from Belgium

  

• Cesar |  October 8th, 2007 at 10:48 am

  
  
  

  Guys, maybe a tertulia at Nevada’s for our team?
  Hey, if we start a penya in NYC you know the team will provide us with a player … they would love the publicity here. Maybe even play a friendly … who knows??
  I mean, Joan Laporta showed up at Nevada’s last weekend … why not Soler, Villa, etc??? It could happen!

  Posted from United States

  

• hoser |  October 9th, 2007 at 4:56 am

  
  
  

  Speaking of rotations and the Phil Ball article, what exactly do people consider to be there ‘first team’ VCF?

  For me, this would be the best Valencia line-up:

  …….Timo
  Miguel..Albiol.Alexis..Moretti
  ……Marchena.Fernandes….
  Joaquin……………..Vicente
  ………………Silva…….
  ……….Villa……………

  I know, it’s not like Vicente has been healthy for some time, but that for me would be the best starting 11. No Angulo. No Albelda.

  As for blog suggestions during the international break:
  -Which uniform is the ‘Valencia’ kit? They have worn all whites in the past, just wondering is this is ‘the’ Valencia kit. I like it as is right now.
  -Maybe something on the Valencia cantera? Might be a bit of work though.

  It’s your blog, so you can take the suggestions with a grain of salt.

  Posted from Belgium

  

• Cesar |  October 9th, 2007 at 5:09 am

  
  
  

  Hoser, interesting suggestions.
  I may pick one of those or one of the ones I have floating in my head … not sure how exciting mine are, which revolve around personal experiences with the Valencia team.

  Posted from United States

  

• Daniel |  October 9th, 2007 at 5:22 am

  
  
  

  Like your pics hoser,thats almost the exact team I’d pick. I’d still go with Albelda over Marchena though, as Phil Ball said a few months back in his Liga team of the season, Albelda’s work goes mostly unnoticed unless you’re in the other team’s midfield.. then u get hurt, haha.

  BTW, what’s everyone’s take on Albelda saying that sacking QQ would be senseless now? Think he’s just trying to be a good captain and back the coach? Although I think QQ should go, today isn’t exactly the best day in terms of timing.. Just before winter break if we keep playing like this..

  Posted from United States

  

• Franky |  October 9th, 2007 at 8:58 am

  
  
  

  Daniel, your latest comment,
  \\ 11 \\The worst part is, if we are successful that twit will think that its his doing as opposed to the world class talent at his disposal”.
  So, there is no way that QQ can claim that he is doing his job? Why can’t you try & have faith? Once he has a healthy squad and some playing experience together, you will begin to see more beautiful play. Let me remind you all that Valencia is still in 4th place, not 15th; and the best player on the team is injured. And know that stats don’t lie, both games in the league Valencia has lost; Villa came out with 70-75 mins. left in the game. That tells me, Valencia needs “El Guaje”- more than we thought.

  Posted from United States

  

• Javier De Roque |  October 9th, 2007 at 9:02 am

  
  
  

  Miguel — Helgeura—Albiol — Moretti
  Marchena
  Joaquin — Fernandes —–Silva
  Villa ——Morientes

  Once Vicente is back i would take out marchena and place silva as an attacking mid with Vicente on the flank. And Zigic can sub in for Morientes or vice versa.

  Posted from Canada

  

• Jose Gonzales |  October 9th, 2007 at 9:41 am

  
  
  

  Hoser, how can you no have Albelda out? He so consistent. I fan of Valencia but in U.S.A and I no more what we need. I travelling every month and watch Valencia.

  Canizares

  Miguel- Albiol- Helguera- Moretti
  Albelda – Marchena

  Fernandes
  Joaquin Silva
  Villa

  This tactic is give Valencia Balance. Fernandes has allowed to attack and Albelda and Marchena has a defence job. That is Joaquin and Silva not has to run got to defend when eith this tactic they lonely attack then support Villa up in forward.

  Posted from United States

  

• Cesar |  October 9th, 2007 at 9:44 am

  
  
  

  Javier, do you live in Valencia now? Are you in Canada?

  Posted from United States

  

• Cesar |  October 9th, 2007 at 9:50 am

  
  
  

  Having Vicente back will cause tactical problems, huh?
  I mean, how can we take Silva out? Even though he’s been sorta off-form these past few games …

  Posted from United States

  

• Ali |  October 9th, 2007 at 11:21 am

  
  
  

  hey people. id say thebest formation Valencia could play with is>

  …… Hilderbrand……
  miguel…Alexis…Albiol…Moretti
  ………Marchena…………..
  joaquin…Manelele….Vicente
  ……….Silva…………..
  ………Villa…………..

  Altho im not a big fan of Marchena and not a big fan of Albelda…so thts the best i can find.

  Posted from United States

  

• Javier De Roque |  October 10th, 2007 at 8:36 am

  
  
  

  im back and forth im in Canada right now. should hopefully be back in valencia by Jan

  Posted from Canada

  

• Ali |  October 10th, 2007 at 12:44 pm

  
  
  

  People.. latest news Real MAdrid wants David Villa.. i swear to god if he goes im i dont no what im gonna do but not a good thing lol.. he better not go…

  Posted from United States

  

• kev speck |  October 11th, 2007 at 4:19 am

  
  
  

  i agree with Ali’s formation and players although i would have Albelda over Marchena after the Espanyol Performance (he was dreadful)!!

  Bare in mind, with the progression of Sunny… hewould be the best of the three in a year or two possibly, and the team would look like this:

  …………………… Hilderbrand………………
  Miguel…Alexis…Albiol…Moretti
  ……………………………Sunny…………………………..
  joaquin………Fernandes……….Vicente
  ……………………………Silva…………………………..
  ……………………………Villa……………………..

  with a bench of Santi/Helguera/Albelda/Zigic and Moro… thats not too bad in my eyes!!!

  Angulo, Arizmendi, Baraja and Marchena are on the first plane out of Valencia for me…. thought thats just my personal opinion!

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

Comments are closed