

Valencia Tidbits
By: Cesar | March 28th, 2007Lots going on with our Che as they wind down the road to their blockbuster Champions League encounter with Chelsea next week …
– First off, a great piece by the Guardian Unlimited’s Marcela Mora y Araujo about ‘El Matador’,
Mario Kempes.

Kempes is considered one of the best players in Valencia history. He won two consecutive Pichichis (leading scorer in Spain), scoring 24 and 28 goals in 1976-77 and 1977-78. He went on to lead Argentina to World Cup glory, winning the trophy in 1978. He was the leading goalscorer in the ‘78 tournament, scoring six goals. He managed 146 goals in 247 appearances for Valencia. Make sure to read up on this Valencian legend.
– Spain play again this afternoon, continuing their Euro 2008 qualification campaign against Iceland. Expect an easy victory & let’s hope for goals from David Villa and Fernando Morientes yet again. Valencia CF are the lifeblood of the Spanish national team, providing six players.
– The suspensions of David Navarro & Carlos Marchena were reduced this morning by UEFA. Navarro’s was reduced to six months, Marchena’s to 2 games. They were both initially suspended for their involvement in a mass brawl following Valencia’s elimination of Inter Milan in the Champions League earlier this month. After the meeting with UEFA this morning, Navarro said, ‘The sanction is hard, but I’m satisfied with the reduction.’
Seems fair to me, especially the Marchena suspension. He didn’t really do anything, except defend his ground. UEFA got something right this time. Good going!
– Defender Fabian Ayala, future defender for Villarreal, continues to support David Albelda in his quest for a contract renovation. “It’s not an easy situation to understand,’ Ayala said. ‘I’ve lived through it (a contract renovation that ultimately led to him leaving the club at the end of this season) and when you don’t disconnect from it, you are not 100% in what you need to do.” Albelda, the Valencia captain, is looking for more money in his next contract. Talks have stalled somewhat and the situation remains tense. More updates on this later.
– Quite a nice squad we’re building for next sesason. Valencia have signed defender Alexis from Getafe to replace Ayala, they’re shoring up a bid for Osasuna midfielder Raul Garcia and they’re in talks to sign a young African midfielder named Steven Sunday, or Sunny.
What else do you think we need for the upcoming season?
– Valencia play Espanyol at the Mestalla this Saturday at 8 pm Spanish time. Anyone going to root for former Valencia star Rufete, who now plies his trade and hair products with the Catalan sqaud?
– After that, the nerve-inducing tie against Chelsea. First game at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. I’m nervous. I truly am.
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Comments
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I think you guys need a couple of creative midfielders..Baraja isn’t getting any younger and Edu is questionable with all his injuries. Raul Garcia would be a good buy but I think more should be done too…Valencia really should do a lot to improve its midfield depth.
Posted from
Canada

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I really hope that Valencia and Albelda can work out a contract because I’m not sure the team would be the same without his splotchy colored occasional mullet.He’s the only person i’ve seen make that style work (successfully)
Posted from
United States

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In response to Nolan, I agree that Valencia can’t do with an always-hobbled Edu and a weak Viana. Raul Garcia is a step in the right direction.
As for Sarrah, what is up with his hair anyways?? Did you ever see the picture he took in front of the stadium naked? Quite … something …
Posted from
United States

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Yeah, I’m not sure what Albelda has going on with his hair all the time. I think he’s trying to be ‘cute’ and ‘original’ (ie when he had that weird mohawk thing). Unfortunately, I have seen those nude pics of him…I guess it’s good that he has a positive body image?
Posted from
United States

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In response to Nolan, I have some doubts about Raul Garcia. He is a very talented youngster but he is not the same profile of Baraja. He is not that playmaker.
Posted from
United States

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Not that I wish to advertise for another entity, but I requested that TOFFS of the UK should make a replica of the above jersey worn by El Matador. And they did. The quality is fantastic.
Where’s that eyebrow smiley when you need it?
Posted from
Belgium

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Hoser, I would love to get that shirt. I have the new one but I really do not like it … the one that came out in 2004? Not cool …
Posted from
United States

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