NK Celje vs Valencia CF 2nd preseason match

Valencia played their second preseason match yesterday against NK Celje. After a succesful first preseason match against Al Hilal won 2-0 by Valencia CF they took on Slovenian side NK Celje.


Starting for Valencia were: Cezar; Alexis, Maduro, Dealbert, Jordi Alba; Pablo, Tino Costa, Fernandes, Aaron; Feghuoli, Paco
Unai Emery put 2 youth players in the starting eleven and did try Feghouli in a more advanced position, similar to what Silva role was in Valencia.

The game started pretty slow, both sides contempt to just controlling the ball and defending low in the field. Than on 36 minute Mocic scored for NK Celje. Valencia tried to get things in control, but was semi-successful, as new players Tino Costa and Feghuoli couldn't find that team play and 2 youth players didn't help either.

Just as the first half was about to finish Brezic scored for NK Celje with Valencian defence ready to go to half-time even before the whistle has been whistled. It was now NK Celje 2, Valencia 0.

Unai Emery did 11 changes to the team, first time starters Joaquin and Aduriz were introduced.
Valencia did start to play better after all the changes, it was more solid in defence, had more control in midfield and was at times quite threatening in attack. Vicente did an awesome job on the left wing and Ever Banega along with Topal really controlled the midfield and spread the ball good.
All the changes paid off in the 65th minute when Vicente netted a goal for Valencia. The players were motivated and pushed on to produce a comeback, but the game started slowing down soon and Valencia did not have enough good chances to score another goal and at least finish in a draw.

Overall it was a mixed display from the players and the team overall. Its quite reasonable to say that the second half team was a lot better than the first half and that Alexis can't play in the right back position. Maduro was too slow in defence and Tino Costa seems to have a slow process of adaptation and Jordi Alba sucked at defence. He is probably solely responsible for the two goals conceded.

This is it for now, next game is against German side Hannover 96.

Al Hilal vs Valencia CF first preseason match

Valencias first preseason match against Al Hilal has finished.
Valencia had this starting line-up:
GK: Moya; Def: Ivan Rubio, Navarro, Dealbert, Jeremy Mathieu; Mid: Pablo, Fernandes, Costa, Vicente; Att: Isco, Paco.

As you can see coach Unai Emery opted to include 3 youth team players in the starting line up.
The game started and Valencia immediately started pushing and it almost immediately paid off, as Jeremy Mathieu scored an early goal in the 4th minute of the match. After the goal the game calmed down a bit and continued with sporadic attacks and chances for both teams.
At half time coach Unai Emery made 11 substitutions

46′Substitution Jérémy Mathieu Asier Del Horno

46′Substitution Pablo Hernández Aarón Ñíguez

46′Substitution Paco Alcácer Soldado

46′Substitution Manuel Fernandes Mehmet Topal

46′Substitution Isco Alejandro Domínguez

46′Substitution Vicente Sofiane Feghouli

46′Substitution Alberto Costa Ever Banega

46′Substitution David Navarro Jordi Alba

46′Substitution Dealbert Alexis

46′Substitution Iván Rubio Hedwiges Maduro

46′Substitution Miguel Ángel Moyá César

Most new players were included with the exception of Aritz Adrius of Mallorca. Few players are still not with Valencia as they've participated in the Fifa world cup and are on vacation.

The second half was played normal also, few chances here and there and mostly half baked counter attacks. The game spiced up towards the final minutes when Ever Banega landed one of his leg in the face of an opposition player and players sprung into argument, physical contact was narrowly avoided and Ever Banega was not given a red card. 

In the duying moments of the game Valencia had a chance, I think Dominguez shot the ball towards the goal, but the goalkeeper deflected the shot and it came right to the legs of Roberto Soldado who calmly slotted the ball in the net. It was 2-0 for Valencia and they won their first preseason game.

It was not an impressive play by any means, but they did the job by winning. There are still some way to go, before the team starts functioning properly, but Valencia has a lot of games left to prepare.

David Albelda surprisingly did not play today and that could be a hint that he is there only as a replacement for injured players. With so many options in the midfield though it would be hard to put the aging Albelda, but he can still contribute with his massive experience to the newer players.

Valencia CF has begun the preseason

Valencia has begun its preseason earlier this week. The start of the preseason was highlighted by the arrival of Valencia president Llorente and new technical secretary Braulio Vazquez. The time of the gathering was at 8am in the morning and some players were clearly not ready to get back from their vacation.

The players met for the first time after a summer vacation and old players met with newly signed players, like Soldado and Mrhmed Topal. Juan Jose Vila was also present in his new role as coaching analysist.

President Llorente gave an opening speech and laid out the expectations for the players in the preseason.
First on the line of business was a through and meticulous medical exam to asses the physical condition of the players. Doctor Candel and his assistants were rigorous in their analysis of each player's muscle mass, weight and general physical shape.

Tests to classify range of movement, strength in individual muscle groups and a biomechanical study involving cardiovascular, dynamic strength and flexibility exercises will be carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as a nutritional analysis.

Expect training sessions to start light, but progress to more through and difficult ones. First on the agenda is the players muscle tone and fitness, than stamina and strength and finally technical skills.
Valencia will play a total of 8 games in the preseason in order to prepare for the 2010/2011 season.

Mehmed Topal officially presented as new Valencia CF player

Valencia has had the third official presentation of new players in a little more than a week. Valencia has really been busy in the transfer market this summer and with the departures of its top players Villa and Silva they had to bring some cover.
The latest official presentation has been defensive midfield and Turkish international Mehmed Topal. Talking to the journalists Topal admitted he was quite nervous, but said that he already feels like home in Vlaneica CF.
Alongside him were obviously president Fernando Llorente and technical secretary Braulio Vasquez.
Braulio said: when we informed him that Valencia were interested in his signature, he was one of the players to put the most effort into pushing the transfer through. All the players who want to come here have the doors opened to them to participate in the project. Tophal is an important player in Turkey, a young player at 26 and a regular in the national side. We welcome him to the club and are sure that he will continue to grow by our side."

He also had praise for the player saying that "Topal is a defensive midfielder who will suit us to the ground. He can eventually move to playmaker, as he has done for Turkey, and has a magnificent aerial game. His physique gives him presence and he can hit a good shot from outside the box. Part of his game is helping the wingers and center backs, and the best part is that he still has room for improvement. Topal has done a tremendous amount to come here and, without a doubt, will give us a great deal of balance."

Mehmed Topal gave his comments through a translator, since he doesn't know the Spanish language yet, he said "I am very happy to be here and thanks those who have welcomed me so warmly. I hope to go very far with Valencia, who were my preference out of all the offers that I received."
"I know English and don't think that there will be any problems communicating with the players and the coach, especially as I am working on learning Spanish as soon as possible," he concluded, having opened his address with a Valencian "Bon día a tots!"
"I'm fully aware of the great players here; I will have to show that I am at the same level. I will respect their play and earn my place alongside them, which will be difficult because they have already shown that they should play."

Valencia CF officially present Tino Costa

Alberto 'Tino' Costa has been officially presented as new Valencia CF player, after he was signed a week ago from French side Montpellier.
Tino Costa was alongside Valencia president Manuel Llorente and expressed his happiness for joining Valencia, he said "I am very happy to be here at such a prestigious club". "I feel as if a dream has come true, my dream was to play in Spain where the best Argentines are playing. I am glad to be in Valencia and hope we do well in all the competitions we face"

And while there are a lot of options in midfield now for Valencia, Tino is probably going to try and replace Silva's position and act as an attacking midfield.

With so much possibilities in midfield now, I'm curious what formation will Unai Emery choose to play with.

Roberto Soldado interview

New Valencia CF signing Roberto Soldado spoke to the Spanish sports daily "AS" about his transfer to Valencia and what he wants and expects to achieve.

Roberto Soldado said he wanted to exceed the number of goals he scored this season with Getafe.
"Every player's objective is to perform better than himself every year and I am a young player that is in the process of improving. I can give more than I gave Getafe. I have come to a big team and I can contribute positive things to the team."

When reminded that he made his Liga debut with Real Madrid against Valencia he had this in responce: "It was something very special to me, debuting with the Real Madrid first team. Now I am here and it is a dream that has finally come true."

Roberto Soldado also commented on several other topics, including a question about the current bad economic situation at Valencia, he respond: "The last thing I am thinking about is the club's economic situation. This club has a lot of prestige and if the team is put at the top, the rest will come."

When Questioned about coach Unai Emery, he replied: "He has done great work and last year they had a great season, not only in La Liga, but also in Europe."

When questioned about the big two and what he thought for the competition, Soldado responded: "Our idea is to compete with the big teams. We know that they are more economically strong and that makes things easier for them. But we believe ourselves to be a big side and we want to compete with the rest."

He than went on to comment about Champions League football and how excited he is to play is such a big tournament. "For a footballer, at club level the most one can aspire to is to play in the Champions League. It is like mother's milk! It cannot be compared with any other competition and we are going to give people a lot to talk about. I hope things go well for us there."

Soldado also spoke about his national team future and he said: "My first step will be to earn myself a spot here [at Valencia], to have the coach's confidence and demonstrate my work ethic and ability to score goals on the pitch. Doing those things well at Valencia, I am sure I will have the opportunity to play with La Seleccion."

Finally, Soldado acknowledged that he would be compared to the departed David Villa, but hoped that he could carve his own niche into Valencia history. "Sure, there will be people that will make comparisons, but I don't come here as a substitute for anyone, only to help the team. Everything I know I will try to develop on the pitch. I believe we have a very good squad to cover those who have left. The important thing is to be united and if we are convinced of our own abilities, surely we will win something."

Ricardo Costa presented as new VCF signing

Ricardo Costa was presented as a new Valencia CF player at Estrella Damm Lounge at city port.

The Portuguese player has been snapped up on a four year deal, and was officially unveiled in front of the backdrop of the Mediterranean sea at the Estrella Damm Lounge. Valencia president Manuel Llorente gave a speech at the event thanking the player for coming to Valencia.

Ricardo Costa also gave a speech in which he highlighted "The feeling of arriving at a big club. I can't wait to play and I thank the president and Braulio for signing me. I have always given my all in every team for which I have played and I have won important titles as a reward. I am a professional and I love playing football, especially at a big club that already feels like my own."

"Quieroz gave me the role of right back in the World Cup in order to stop Robinho and Villa. It wasn't my natural position nor where I felt most comfortable, but I will always play wherever the team needs me. As far as my hopes for the remainder of the tournament go, I hope that Mata and Marchena can become World Champions with Spain, as what is good for the team is good for me."

"I have a lot of faith in Braulio's project and that he will sign great players. The club and the team should come first, before anything else."

Valencia closer to Javier Hernandez

The newly signed Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is closer to loan deal with Valencia CF, after the player father hinted it would be better for his son to adopt to european football if he goes on loan. He said "This could be a positive solution for the adaptation of Javier into European football."

Valencia have been monitoring the player and after the departures of David Villa and Zigic they are in need of another striker option. Javier's good performances with Mexico at this world cup have also boosted Valencias interest in him.

His father also had this to say "Contacts exist but Manchester have still not decided anything about the subject. Javier’s first season in England will not be easy. Perhaps the loan option is not madness."

Valencia CF sign Alberto Tino Costa

Valencia CF have signed Alberto 'Tino" Costa from Ligue 1 side Montpellier for a reported transfer fee of 6.5 million euros.

Valencia has had a busy transfer summer and several players have already departed and came. First were the arrivals of Portugal defender Ricardo Costa and Turkish international Mehmed Topa, followed by the departure of David Villa to Barcelona, some other arrivals were Sofiani Feghuoli and striker Roberto Soldado.

Alberto Costa is yet to be officially presented as he first needs to complete a medical exam. The players has already expressed his happiness to play in Valencia CF.

Valencia coach Unai Emery has also expressed his satisfaction as he stated: "Tino Costa is a great footballer. We have followed him and he fits in perfectly to Valencia. The club has worked hard to incorporate him and he has the approval of all at the club", but also noted that the club is still looking to add more players "There are several possibilities, many offers, and we want to get things right. There are players who have had a brilliant career and want to come have the desire to continue growing, no matter how old they are. They want to sign for this team and we will try to make it happen."

We'll see how things progress but one thing is sure, Valencia already signed 3 midfields and they also have an abundance of players in those positions.
If they are to sign more players its clear that more need to be on the way out.