Takin’ It To The Streets

By: Cesar | August 22nd, 2008

There’s a buzz on the streets of Valencia this weekend that has nothing to do with our beloved Valencia CF. What could it possibly be?

If you’re an F-1 Formula One racing fan, you know that Valencia hosts the European Grand Prix this weekend, an opportunity for the city to show off a little, show the world how far they’ve come the last few years.

Truth be told, it’s a gorgeous city and I implore all of you to make it out there when you can.
From the beaches to the wonderful food, from the great weather to the great people, you can’t really go wrong.

And if all indications are correct, you might see one of the better football clubs around in Unai Emery’s Valencia CF.

I watched the first leg of the Spanish Super Copa again a few days ago and I must admit I’m impressed with the way we looked. Great attacking form, wonderful off the counter attack, decent creativity up front. This team looks solid and disciplined.

The defense is somewhat creaky. The goal tending leaves something to be desired. We’re not perfect. But we’re getting better.

This weekend sees us in Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium for the second leg and hopefully, our second trophy of the new season (first being the Trofeo Naranja).

“Last season, we were never able to raise our heads whenever we went behind. But that is not the case anymore,” defender Alexis explained.

“Now, we don’t collapse when we concede a goal and we know how to fight back,” he added.

Despite giving away two potential decisive away goals, the former Getafe center back was still encouraged by the performance from the rearguard.

“Our defense had a complicated game (against Madrid), but we knew how to maintain our line and if we continue to work on it, we will start to see good results,” he stressed.

“The return leg will be difficult, but if we play like we did in the first leg and approach the game with a winner’s mentality, then we will not have any problems winning the Supercopa,” he concluded.

Let’s hope so.

87-year old Ruben Baraja thinks we’ll be just fine at the Bernabeu.

“We must approach the match with the idea that we have a real chance to win the Supercopa,” he exclaimed to Marca.

“We have to go there and be ambitious and build on our first leg result rather than just depend on it.”

But the retirement-home bound midfielder is also aware of the daunting task of having to take on Real Madrid at the Bernabéu cauldron.

“They will definitely play better at home than they did at the Mestalla. They are now a side that focuses on the aspect of team work but they still have a lot of quality individual players who can turn the game around,” he warned.

Finally, the midfielder cautioned not to put too much pressure and emphasis on the club making a swift return to the Champions League.

“It is important to take things slowly one step at a time. It is necessary to remember that we are practically starting from scratch. Right now, we have to focus on the possibility of winning an important title and begin the new league campaign with confidence,” he concluded.

I like the things the players are saying. I like Unai’s coaching style and the confidence the team seems to be exuding when they go down, unlike last season’s Koeman debacle. This truly is a different team.

Another thing I am encouraged about is the recruitment philosophy sporting director Fernando Gomez is talking about in today’s Superdeporte. Basically, buy smart, buy young, buy like Arsene Wenger at Arsenal does. It makes sense when you’re competing against the financial beasts of Real Madrid and Barcelona. A team can’t hope to lure the talent they do. A team has to buy smarter, buy a David Silva and develop him, sign a Juan Mata and watch him blossom. I think it’s a smart move and Arsenal are definitely a club I’d like to see us emulate.

One young guy I’d love to see stay is adult film star and Argentine midfield phenom Ever Banega. Unfortunately, it looks like he’s on his way on loan to Atletico Madrid. I guess this is a good thing. At least he’ll play and develop. And we’ll still hold his rights.

Unai saw enough of the squad to settle on a four-man midfield that excluded Banega: David Albelda, Rubén Baraja, Manuel Fernandes and Edu have all been given the thumbs up to become the heart and soul of the Ché midfield, leaving youngsters Hedwiges Maduro and Banega as surplus to requirements.

Banega’s off to Madrid. Maduro? Who knows. Maybe we can get a bag of used footballs for him?

A sad note to close: Condolences to all who lost their lives in the horrific air accident that took place in Madrid this week. Horrible and truly shows you how short life is.

Hércules and Valencia postponed their match, which Valencia had already traveled to attend, out of respect for the “pain of the families and loved ones of the accident’s victims.”

Classy move.

As for me, I’m looking for new work. All suggestions and ideas will be greatly appreciated.
A chain of football pubs? Could be an interesting idea …