Valencia CF year in review and future outlook

Warning: long text ahead...

Valencia CF has had a mixed bag 2012 year in which it finished 3rd in the Spanish premier league, dropped out the Champions League in the group stages, but that made it possible to reach the semi finals in the Europa league at which point Valencia CF lost to Atletico Madrid. Valencia CF also had success in the Spanish cup Copa del Rey in which it reached the semi finals as well, but lost to FC Barcelona.

While on paper the club did very good that season, in reality things were different and Valencia CF was playing one of the worst football in recent years. In fact Valencia CF went into the new year of 2012 back then with a huge cushion on the table and so even with bad results in the second half of the season it managed to stay and keep 3rd place at all times, although by the end every match was terrifying and the team felt like climbing a 180% degree mountain.

The problems were becoming evident towards the end of 2011 when Valencia CF missed out on Champions League football and went on to loose 3-0 to Chelsea, which even though Chelsea went on to win the Champions league, it was strange because Chelsea were playing a defensive style football, attacking only on counter attack and scoring goals only on the counter, so loosing 3-0 to them was really terrible and meant Valencia CF would go on to play in the Europa league instead of the Champions league.

Playing in the Europa league isn't bad within itself, its just that you really need to reach the final to be noticed and you got to win the final go get the prestige and money and even then its bread crumbs compared to the Champions League. So whichever way you look at it, its better to play in the round of 16 in the Champions league and loose there, than to even reach the final of the Europa League. If you don't win it, its not worth as much, as Athletic Bilbao can testify.

So the fact that Valencia CF lost in the semi final against Atletico Madrid, who then went on to win it, meant playing there was for nothing, as the monetary gains were minimal and the team suffered in the sporting department, playing more fatigued in the Spanish league.

Valencia CF was also playing in a more sensible competition which is the Copa del Rey as it is a Spanish competition and it has long tradition and most of Spain watches it. It also serves as the morale booster competition if you manage to win it and haven't won a trophy in a long time. The whole competition serves as a jumping board for teams and puts them into the spotlight and gives fans something to cheer for. Valencia CF also did very good in the cup until it met FC Barcelona in the semi final and that would be the end of that journey for Valencia CF.

Valencia CF only managed to win 7 times in the second half of the season out of 18 matches and basically started its poor away form since March of 2012, where after it beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 away, it never went on to win an away match that season and that poor away match form continued under Pellegrino. That isn't to say the team was terrible, ultimately the team gained quite a bit points in the second half of the season as well and managed to snatch up 3rd place and qualify automatically for the group stage in the Champions league.

The end of 2011/12 season was eagerly awaited as fans just wanted the season to be over and for Valencia CF to secure its 3rd place so it can play in the Champions League competition again and stay on top of the field from the rest of the pack. Towards the end it was widely known that Unai Emery would be leaving the club and a lot of fans were happy about that as they thought that Emery did his best he could at Valencia CF and its now time to bring in someone else who can do even better.

I was one of the persons who had similar thoughts and wrote about why I thought it would be best if Unai Emery left in the summer. Here is the summary of that article: "I think Valencia CF should part ways with Unai Emery this coming summer with both coach and club head held high knowing its on a good line. That said Valencia president Manuel Llorente should only bring in a coach that can improve and build upon Emery's reign and not start over, destroying everything that has been build and achieved over the past 4 years. We need a coach that can sort of take the pieces which are in place already and give them that final polish to be able to reach the next level.
The new coach must also be more experienced and must be proven that he can win and manage a winning team.". As you can see while I was making the case for Emery to leave, I also made the case that the replacement needs to be an experienced coach that can build and improve upon Emery and not start over and that the new coach would have to basically polish the team to get them to the next level.

Manuel Llorente had different thoughts though and he decided that Mauricio Pellegrino the former Valencia CF central defender and two times Champions League finalist with Valencia CF would become the new coach. Obviously he was neither experienced, nor fully knowledgeable as he had never before coached a team and only had two and a half years as a second coach to Rafael Benitez. So this meant that he would be incapable of building upon the existing team and bringing that level of polish that was needed and he would need to rebuild the team yet again, which he stated he would be doing and was the excuse for many of the losses.

Mauricio Pellegrino garnered huge support from Valencia CF fans who knew him as this sung hero and Valencia CF icon. While most Spanish fans were very happy, the international fans, at least people who read this blog and voted on the poll thought that it was a risky choice. Out of 72 votes, 39 voted him as a risky choice, while 22 voted him as a good choice, with only 4 voting as him as bad choice and I guess ultimately they were right, so have a +1.

Mauricio Pellegrino didn't start terrible or anything, in fact he started in great fashion, leading the team to a draw in his first match against last years champions Real Madrid, who just 3 months ago broke all the records to become champions of Spain and were the most feared team in the world. Unfortunately this big draw would not ammount to anything as Valencia CF went on to draw at home against the newly promoted team of Deportivo La Coruna who were weakened by the loss of Andres Guardado their best player and he just so happened to transfer to Valencia CF.

That match started great for Valencia CF who pretty much dominated the first half and were running circles around Deportivo La Coruna, scoring 3 goals in the process and lead Deportivo 3-1 at half time. I remember watching an English commentary stream and the English caster was showering Valencia with praise how they were playing with such ease and how the team could easily challenge the Real Madrid and Barcelona duopoly and that this match was proof that Valencia CF can muddy the waters for the champions title this season and boy I agreed with him. Then the second half started and everything changed. It was like a whole other team came out, that was some low level, bottom of the table team. It was just incredible and Valencia conceded 2 more goals and went on to draw with Deportivo La Coruna in that match. Read my match report.

While Valencia was playing poorly in La Liga, the team was performing very good in the Champions League, having only lost once and that was away to Bayern Munich. By the last match the team was fighting to finish first in the group, but just felt short of it as Bayern Munich also won their last match and had better direct score against Valencia CF. That didn't save Pellegrino though as he pretty much sealed his own faith by loosing two matches in a row in the Spanish league, first against Malaga 4-0 and then a week later 5-2 against Real Sociedad. Those were two huge losses in a row and coupled with the terrible away form and mid table position on the table at that time he was sacked.

Since then Ernesto Valverde was appointed as the new coach and the rest is the present. Valencia CF has performed better under him and the team has looked more alive and more capable, although the judgement is obviously still out and the final conclusion can be made at the end of the season.

So what is going to happen in the new year, what is the future outlook of the team? From my deep research and analysis and I have been right 100% in all cases, not just with Valencia CF either, I predicted Barcelona would fail last season and that Real Madrid would go on to win the league and I was right. Barcelona lost the title and wasn't as convincing as in years previous. This year I wrote an article that Real Madrid would fail and explained to great detail why that is going to happen and I was right. I said Barcelona would win the title and its looking like it.

So from my deep research and high level analysis I can see Valencia CF improving a lot and probably finishing in 3rd place, most likely above Real Madrid. Now again there are a lot of factors going in here, I'm yet to see any of the different clubs transfers in the winter transfer window and this could change the situation completely. Real Madrid could strengthen, Atletico Madrid could strengthen, then of course Valencia CF could weaken if they bring in some poor reinforcement, but overall if there are little changes in the top 6 teams right now, I fully expect Valencia CF to finish 3rd, possibly 4th place if the schedule turns out to be bad and fatigue plays a big part of the performance.

So what am I basing my analysis on you ask? I base it on whole set of points, from just the schedule of matches that we have, the training schedules, from reading, watching videos and seeing pictures of the team's training sessions, to understanding the team dynamics and following the players very closely individually and assessing the situation and then from all of them combined, assessing the situation team wide. Then I asses the performance of other clubs, I asses Valencia's performances and why the team hasn't been performing good, but most importantly I've come to the conclusion that the team has been underperforming for months now. So if you have a team who's been underperforming for months, you can either hit a bottom and then bounce back or you can start performing to the level of optimal performance. So I'm betting that we won't hit bottom and I have proof of that in the past several matches under Valverde, so there is basically no other option but for the team to start performing to its full extent and possibly even over performing, but hopefully it will not peak too soon.

Juan Bernat to stay at Valencia CF

Valencia CF Juan Bernat

There were reports in the past that Juan Bernat is going to go on loan in the winter transfer window, in fact if you use the search window on the right corner you can find the article and read it, but with the arrival of the new coach Ernesto Valverde things have changed as the new coach has publicly stated that he would like to keep Juan Bernat at Valencia CF and that he will need him now more than ever since Sofiane Feghuoli is going to play at the African cup of nations and with the fact that Mathieu and Cissokho are injured, he is having to play Guardado as left back, so that opens up the possibility for Bernat to get some good playing time and compete with Jonathan Viera.

Also Valencia CF sporting director Braulio Vazquez has also mentioned that Bernat would stay at Valencia and that the club has no plans of loaning him out in the winter transfer window.

Some rumors were circling saying that Valencia CF might even bring back Paco from Getafe as he isn't getting much playing time, though nothing serious so far, but I'll follow it up and see if its true, but I really doubt it.

Granada CF 1-2 Valencia CF Match Report

Valencia CF starts the new year with a win, albeit a hard fought and quite conflicting one. It took Valencia CF 82 minutes to win against a 10 man Granada CF, who credit to them hold on well as a defensive unit, but  Valencia CF did have the chances to win by more and should have taken them.

A victory is a victory as the saying goes, but this match showed that Valencia CF have a lot of improving to do, with improving long range shots of players like Jonas for example, to more useful balls in the penalty area and more combinations in just before the final third so they can open up the opponents.

Our wing play was once again exposed, especially on the left wing, since Pablo Piatti was on fire on the right wing, but my point is as I've written a month or two ago that only one wing plays at a time, so we have trouble stretching the opponents and end up attacking only from one side, making it easier on the opposition to close us down.

Again it doesn't take a genius, it doesn't take some deep understanding to figure this out and simply seeing the reality of the play shows you that in most matches our wings don't work. In some matches only one wing works, in others none of the wings work and the team also lacks the intricate combinations to do much from the center field.

Whether this is a players issue or a tactics issue or a combination of both is hard to say. From my analysis I'd say our wings are too slow and very conservative, the players need to be more adventurous and a lot faster. In most of the matches, all of the players are conservative and worry too much not to loose the ball, instead of trying to dribble past opposition and move in. So I'd say we need faster wings, like we saw in this match with Piatti and more raw penetration, more going in, more dribbling on the wings.

There is no doubt in my mind that if Piatti didn't play probably his best match in a Valencia CF shirt last night, that Valencia CF would have won. In fact I think the team would have probably lost, as Piatti was instrumental in both goals, one he provided and the second he scored. So his play created both the goals and he was a thorn all night in Granada's eye.

Also I wasn't impressed with how the team played in the first half at all, in fact there was no urgency, no fast plays, the movement of the ball was slow, the combinations were short, the strings of passes were short, the pressure on Granada players almost non existent and the penetration in the final third lacking.

The play only improved in the second half, but question is how would have the team played if Granada were with 11 players? My view is that the teem needs to improve and improve a lot, the defense needs to be tighter and more focused, the ball movement needs to be faster and there needs to be more combinations and fast wing plays to stretch the opponents. The team also needs to put more pressure on the opposing team when the ball is in their foot.

Granada CF (1): Roberto, Nyom, Brahimi, Mainz, Siqueira, Íñigo López, Dani Benítez (Angulo, min. 46), Mikel Rico, Torje (Yebda, min. 62), Iriney (Jaime Romero, min. 83)e Ighalo.
Valencia CF (2):  Diego Alves, Rami, Albelda (Valdez , min. 51), Jonas (Barragán, min. 91), Soldado, Ever, Piatti (Tino Costa, min. 83), Pereira, Guardado, Ricardo Costa y Dani Parejo.
Goals:  1-0 Min. 49' Angulo 1-1 Min. 59' Jonas 1-2 Min. 81' Piatti.



Player Ratings:
Diego 5 - Was way forward for Granada's goal. Angulo's shot was very good, a powerful lob, but Diego should have been closer to the line and it wouldn't have been a goal.
Joao Pereira 6 - Combined well with Piatti, though he did have some trouble dealing with Granada's attackers on occasions.
Rami 6 - Didn't have much to do and not at fault for the goal.
R. Costa 6 - Again nothing to do as Granada barely threatened and wasn't responsible for the goal.
Guardado 6 - Not troubled at all at the back and went forward to great extent, but didn't have anyone to combine with at the left wing.
Albelda 5.5 - Did well to cover for the defense at occasions, but was useless in attacking sense and substituted early in the second half to make way for Valdez.
Ever 6 - Was involved in most of the actions and was always available for a pass, providing some good passes, but his job was made easier with Granada being down 10 men.
Piatti 9 (MotM) - Absolute beast against Granada, caused them trouble all match long, provided countless great crosses, was able to pass his markers numerous times and provided the assist to the first goal and scored the second to mark a perfect afternoon for him. Hopefully his form continues.
Parejo 6.5 - Was actually quite useful and dangerous. He provided a lot of useful passes and combined well in the final third, also adding another body in the penalty area when needed. I suspected that his poor play was due to his deep position in midfield and judging on this performance I was right, he needs to play in advanced positions.
Jonas 7.5 - Played in a more advanced position and had more freedom in his movement playing off with some good plays by him. He did waster 2 chances with some terrible shots, but accounted for it by scoring a goal.
Soldado 6.5 - Scored an assist to his name and missed a good chance when he hit the post. He could have even passed the ball and it would have been a certain goal. Was overall active and threatening.
Subs:
Valdez 6 - Had a chance on goal and was very active on the field, increasing Valencia's energy and work rate significantly.
Tino N/A - Not enough time
Barragan N/A - Not enough time

Tottenham Hotspur still keen on Jonas

Jonas Gonçalves Oliveira

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur FC are still keen on Valencia CF striker Jonas Goncalves. Tottenham Hotspur are yet to strengthen their attack and are once again looking at Jonas Goncalves as a potential target. In fact they have been interested in Jonas Goncalves for a while now, they had some competition from Liverpool FC, but with the arrival of Sturridge from Chelsea means Liverpool are set in that area now.

Tottenham Hotspur are sitting on a lot of cash right now and they do have a lack of quality strikers, with pretty much only Defoe scoring goals for them, so Jonas could be a good option, though they'd likely try to offload some of the other strikers they have first so they can be able to purchase new players.

Other reports also link Jonas going back to  Brazil, though I don't see that happening as on average the Brazilian teams are not that wealthy and I don't see Jonas wanting to go back to Brazil which is a lower level league than the Spanish league.

Real Madrid and Barcelona want Vicente Guaita

Guaita to Real Madrid or Barcelona?

Spanish media are reporting that Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are interested in Valencia CF goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and would like to see him in their ranks.

As you know Arsenal FC were also reportedly interested and still are, though with Arsenal having the striker position as top priority for reinforcement they don't want to spend too much money on a goalkeeper and would instead like to invest all that money in a quality striker.

Real Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho is supposedly in terrible relationship with Real Madrid icon Iker Casillas and if Mourinho stays at Real Madrid its said that Iker Casillas will be forced to leave and Jose Mourinho sees Vicente Guaita as the perfect replacement for Iker.

FC Barcelona on the other hand are going to loose Pinto in the summer and would like to bring in a quality reinforcement that will be able to compete with their current number one keeper Victor Valdes and they see Vicente Guaita as the perfect option for them, that will give them options at the goalkeeping post.

As I've written previously Manuel Llorente is not a big fan of selling Vicente Guaita and would much rather sell Diego Alves as he has been under pressure to have more Spanish players in the team and Guaita is a Valencianista. In fact just recently Vicente Guaita publicly stated that he wants to stay at Valencia CF and become first choice there.

Granada CF vs Valencia CF Match Preview

Granada CF vs Valencia CF Match Preview

Stadium: Los Cármenes

Date: 05.01.2013; 18:00 CET

18th matchday, La Liga

Coaches: Juan Antonio Anquela and Ernesto Valverde

Granada CF

Granada CF are coming to this match after a series of mixed results. In fact their last 5 matches are two wins, two draws and one loss. The last match was a small away victory against Osasuna of 1-2 with which Granada CF managed to avoid the relegation spots. So far this season Granada CF have been in and out of the relegation spots and its likely that this battle will continue for the rest of the season and their challenge is increased today as they will face off against Valencia CF. 

Granada CF are sitting at 15th position with 16 points from 17 matches and I swear the numbers just came out like that and was not planned. Anyways they have 4 wins, 4 draws and 9 losses with 25 goals conceded and only 13 goals scored. Their main goalscorer is Youssef El Arabi with 4 goals scored, who also has one assist to his name. Youssef El Arabi has featured 17 times, so pretty much in all matches and his goal scoring ration isn't very good. Last season he played for Al Hilhal and scored 12 goals for them and before that he's been a good goalscorer in France, so its obvious that he isn't getting many chances at Granada CF.

In fact from the matches I've watched with them I'd say the biggest problem for Granada CF is their attack, or lack thereof. They virtually do not have any attack and while they do create small number of chances, the biggest area of play for them is their own third. In fact so much so that Granada CF has failed to score in 8 matches total.

Granada CF squad: to be announced...

Valencia CF

Valencia CF on the other hand are coming to this match after a good series of good results, in fact so much so that Valencia CF has won 4 times in the last 5 matches. Now this does not mean Valencia CF are out of the woods and in some great form, only two wins are in La Liga, where the team also has a loss and two wins came in other competitions. So Valencia CF really has a long way to go before things start falling into place and a good start in the new year would be a good, secure win over Granada CF. As I've already written above Granada CF is one of the worst offensive teams in the league and I certainly wouldn't want Valencia CF to concede a goal to them and while Granada CF are decent at the back, that is to say not terrible, they are still leaky and Valencia CF should be able to win securely.

Valencia CF new coach Ernesto Valverde has also been coaching the team for almost a month now and has probably been able to asses the players and their condition, form and playing style and I believe that he as experienced coach would know how to set up the team to get the best out of the players and win in most of the matches, something I believe Pellegrino as inexperienced coach lacked. So I fully expect to see the team start playing better and what a wonderful test in Granada CF to really flesh out the new tactics and style before the team tackles on better teams.

I want to wish the players and the team a happy new year and huge success in the new 2013 and hope they can finish 3rd place in the league and go on to win the Champions League, because I want the team to succeed after 10 years of nothing. The time is now and regardless of the financial situation, the team should be able to do it in the sporting aspects.

Sofiane Feghouli as I've reported days ago signed a new contract extension that will keep him at Valencia CF till 2016 and has been now officially confirmed by Valencia's official website. I'm mentioning this little news here because he is actually injured right now and though he has rejoined normal training may not be in contention for starting place, especially since he will likely go to Algeria for the African cup of nations after this match. Other than him Gago has been back and training normally and may even feature in the team, Jeremy Mathieu is still recovering, but is only about 2 weeks from returning and Sergio Canales has been training with the ball and light exercises, though he is likely still a week or two from playing.

Valencia CF squad: to be announced...

Technical Details Valencia CF (probable setups):

Formation: 4-3-3

Line-up: Diego; Pereira, Rami, R. Costa, Guardado; Albelda, Tino, Banega, Jonas; Soldado, Piatti.

Tactics: High defensive line, all round pressure, mixed passing, center attacks mostly.

Result Prediction:

Granada CF 0-2 Valencia CF

AS I've already written Granada CF is really weak offensively and not very sound defensively either. Even with all of Valencia's problems this should be a secure win for the team, but the fact that the team has practiced intensively and Valverde has had plenty of time to improve stuff now I fully expect a secure victory of 2-0 for Valencia CF over Granada CF.

Ernesto Valverde is getting all the girls

Valencia CF coach Ernesto Valcerde seems to be getting all the Valencia girls with his obviously amazing charisma and great looks. I just hope the players don't become too jealous.

Yeah I'm obviously joking, or am I? Anyways a little fun post to up the spirits.