Valencia Pre-season 2013

Pre-season 2013

With the FIFA Confederations Cup finished, the players are just finishing up with their vacations and will return for this year's pre-season. Training for this will begin on July 8th. Similar to last year, the team will play pre-season games in Germany. These games aren't exactly against big-name teams but I think last year's German pre-season avoided us the fate of Barcelona and Real Madrid against German teams as we did relatively well against Bayern Munich. The matches are as follows:

Date                           Opponent                                        Venue
14 July 2013                Karlsruher                                       Karlsruhe, Germany
17 July 2013                Waldhof Mannheim                          Mannheim, Germany
20 July 2013                Stuttgart                                         Ludwigsburg, Germany

Next is a rather interesting competition. Guinness will host an International Champions Cup this year. This competition includes the following clubs: AC Milan (Italy), Chelsea (England), Everton (England), Inter Milan (Italy), Juventus (Italy), LA Galaxy (USA), Real Madrid (Spain), Valencia (Spain). We got some really tough competition here. It will be a good test for the new coach. I like to be optimistic but I don't think we'll win.
Regardless, here is how the fixtures go for us:

Date                             Opponent                                      Venue
27 July 2013                 AC Milan                                        Valencia, Spain
4 August 2013              Chelsea/Inter Milan                          New York City, USA
6/7 August 2013           TBD                                                Miami USA

The rest depends on how we do in the above games, but here is the match bracket so you get an idea.

Finally, Valencia will host the Trofeo Naranja (Orange Cup) like it has been doing almost every year since 1959. We have won this Cup 25 times since 1959. This year, like last year, consists only of one game.

Date                            Opponent                                        Venue
10 August 2013            Olympiacos (Greece)                         Valencia, Spain

And that's how the pre-season is looking so far. I hope we do well and that the new coach can work well with the team to give us something to look forward to for the 2013-14 season.

AMUNT VALENCIA!!!!

AMUNT VALENCIA!!!!

More Transfers and Rumors...

Transfer Rumors:

As you all should know, the transfer window for the summer has officially opened; and I must say Braulio Vasquez has moved rather slowly. He has already let five planned signings be taken by other clubs. The first is Vitolo (winger) from Las Palmas who is a former teammate of Jonathan Viera. There were hopes that the two would link up again at Valencia but Sevilla beat us to him. The second is Benat Extebarria (midfielder) of Real Betis, who was recently signed by Athletic Bilbao. The third being former Valencia player Andres Palop (goalkeeper), who was signed by Bayern Leverkusen. The fourth being Tomas Pina (midfielder) and lastly Giovanni Dos Santos (forward), both from recently relegated Real Mallorca. Both of them are almost certainly going to recently promoted Villareal, unless the transfer market lives up to its unexpected nature.

Tottenham recently increased their bid for Soldado to about £17 million. In response, Valencia has reiterated that they will only accept a £25.5 million bid (the release clause). Tottenham is a bit hesitant to meet that figure and hopes to take advantage of our financial situation to negotiate the price. As for Soldado, he really hopes to stay in Valencia (we do too) but seems open to a move to the English Premier League.

On a positive note, Miroslav Djukic has plans to include our home-grown striker Paco Alcacer in the first team this year and will not loan him to Getafe. In addition, one source recently reported that we are edging Liverpool FC in the battle for highly-rated Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori. We have also stepped up the chase for Chelsea defender Oriol Romeu as well as Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu, both on loans. However, both Chelsea and Barcelona could end up selling, according to some reports. The former's price is yet undeclared, but Barcelona are demanding € 12 million for their player, which is well beyond our current capacity. If we could negotiate the price or take him on loan, it would be great.

Here are some further transfer rumors:

Rumours:

Incoming:

1. Philipp Hosiner (Forward): 24 year old Austrian striker who currently plays for Austria Wien in the Austrian Bundesliga. Very impressive goal scoring record and cheap. He was the third top scorer in all of Europe in the 2012-13 season, with 32 goals (behind Messi-42 and Ronaldo-33). He managed this in only 36 games. Some might say that it is because the Austrian Bundesliga is less challenging than the other leagues, however he seems capable of taking on the Spanish League to me. He also has 2 goals in 3 games for the Austrian national team. According to the reports, we will only push for this signing or any other strikers for that matter, if we end up selling Soldado.

Cost: € 2.5 million
Main competition: Hoffenheim (Germany)

2. Abel Aguilar (Midfielder): 28 year old Colombian midfielder, on loan with Deportivo La Coruna from Hercules. You might remember him for scoring Deportivo's last minute equalizer in that exciting 3-3 draw with Valencia. To be honest, I don't see why we would want him. He managed 3 goals and 3 assists only in 28 games with the team. He also is not regularly called for the Colombian national team. He was almost taken by Granada but told them to wait since he really wants to move to Valencia. At this point, he seems to be the alternative to Oriol Romeu. The latter should be attainable and is considerably better so I see no need for Aguilar.

Cost: € 3 million
Main competition: Granada FC (Spain), Deportivo La Coruna (Spain)

3. Daniel Aranzubia (Goal Keeper): 33 year old Spanish goalkeeper who currently plays with Deportivo La Coruna. Very experienced keeper with over 400 caps for clubs and country. First goal keeper to score from open-play in La Liga history. Kept 7 clean sheets in 35 games last year, conceding 66 goals in La Liga (1.88 goals per game). Guaita kept 6 clean sheets in 14 games last year, conceding 15 goals in La Liga (1.07 goals per game) while Diego Alves kept 5 clean sheets in 24 games last year, conceding 39 goals in La Liga (1.625 goals per game). Aranzubia seems to be our replacement for Diego Alves. I have seen him play and he does have many good saves, however its difficult to tell how he will do. The stats make him look inferior to our keepers but that might be due to Deportivo's defense. 

Cost: € 2 million
Main competition: Real Betis (Spain)

Outgoing:

1. Jonas: Previously linked with Tottenham, now he is being called by Sao Paulo (Brazil). Despite expressing his desire to stay, the club might sell him due to the economic situation that has been further hurt by not making the Champions League. In addition, with Paco Alcacer rumored to rejoin the first team, there is simply no room for four strikers. Even if Soldado gets sold, Jonas is not the same threat as Soldado. Even though he rescued as many times with some goals, he also let us down a lot. I would have liked him to stay but I don't see him staying.

Offer: € 6 million (could be sold for more)

2. Diego Alves: As mentioned previously, a replacement is being planned for him. It would've been great to keep two good keepers but since one of them must go, it was decided that it would be Diego Alves. Italian club AS Roma has bid for him and hopes to get him for a cheap price. Other clubs like Manchester City are also interested but only AS Roma has negotiated a price so far.

Offer: € 2 million (too little in my opinion)

Next Season:

We need to be more active on the transfer market so we don't lose great signings like Vitolo, Benat and Dos Santos especially not to our rivals. I really hope we finish up signing Romeu and Deulofeu quickly. I think the former is a versatile and solid player. The latter will link up will with the likes of Juan Bernat and Paco Alcacer since they are all part of the successful Spanish U-20 side. In addition he will brings the pace of Piatti and is a good finisher. Our big names (Rami, Soldado) are again being targeted by many other clubs. While the former seems certain to go, I hope we keep Soldado since he is our target man. I hope whatever we do, will make us serious competitors next year.

AMUNT VALENCIA!!!!

Transfers and Rumors

Transfers and Rumors!!!

Transfer window for this summer will open tomorrow. But Valencia has already digged into the transfer market and has bought 2 or 3 players already. Though not of the highest quality but squad players. Valencia are suffering financially so do not  expect us to spend big.We would be rather selling our prized assets then buying to balance the book. After loosing on Champions league spot we tend to loose $30M odd money. So we will be looking for cheap signings. We hope to hold on to our best players this summer.

NOW we will look on some of the transfers that has already happened till date.

INS

1. NELSON VALDEZ (STRIKER): We have purchased NV from Russian Club Rubin Kazan for reported fee of 2.64 M Pounds. NV who spent last season on loan at Valencia has impressed Valencia officials to buy him permanently. The Paraguay forward last season played 28 games scoring all together 6 crucial goals.   The 29 year old is basically seen as backup to our main striker Roberto Soldado (if he stays obviously). He said he is happy with the role.

2.MICHEL HERRERO: (MIDFIELDER): He started his professional career with Valencia B side. After first team opportunity hard to come by, Michel quickly jumped the ship and signed a 3 year contract with our local rival Levante UD in last year June  After being impressed with his performance , Valencia has quickly exercised the buyback clause that is around 369k
pounds. Last year 24 year old 

played 51 games scoring 8 goals. He is a promising young player but i dont see him starting games in La Liga this season. However, he will be used in CUPs and Europa league.

3. JAVI FUEGO (D. MIDFIELDER): He used to play for Rayo Vallecano. Valencia has signed him on free as his contract with Rayo expired. He was good for Rayo, but i think he is an average player who will be used as backup to Dani Parejo. He is a good ball player, interceptor and tackler. I hope he proves me wrong and turns out to be a gem.

DEPARTURES:

1. TINO COSTA: He has left Valencia CF for Russian Club Spartak Moscow for reported fee of 6.16 M pounds. Valencia needs to balance their accounts so he was sold. I think it was good decision in the end. He was an average player. Other than his set pieces there was nothing more he could offer. Dani Parejo is better than him.

2.DAVID ALBELDA: Goodbye to the legend. Every start has its end and this is it. It was emotional and sad decision but life goes on.Age was getting better of him. After brief meeting with new manager Miroslav Djukic both the parties decided it was best time to part company.

RUMORS:

  COMING:

1.ROMEU: As i have already told you, he is a good player. We should sign him at all cost.

2.ALMUNIA: Who is he? Seriously, Almunia? I dont think he is good enough for our reserve team. Please stay away man. Go find clubs in segunda. Former Arsenal man is in mid thirties and probably past his prime. So no to him.

3.TIAGO LLORI: Highly rated Sporting defender has been linked with a move to Valencia as a possible replacement to  Rami who is expected to leave.The center back has impressed this season and has attracted a lot of suitors.Liverpool are also monitoring the situation closely. He has  potential to be a great player. He has $3M  odd release clause. So we should sign him.

4.GERARD DEULFEU: After Barca has decided to send their young star in loan every clubs in Spain, England and Germany want this player. Valencia is also linked with this rising star. But i dont think we will be able to land him.

5.GIOVANI DOS SANTOS: Six or seven teams are in race to sign the Mexican star according to Real Mallorca president. Valencia is confident in signing him. Mallorca has accepted 8 M euro offer from LA Galaxy, only for Dos Santos to turn down the move. Valencia have reportedly bid 4 M euro, but Mallorca view as insufficient. He is a quality player. We should sign him at all costs.

6.KEVIN GAMEIRO: PSG striker is looking for more playing time after failing to break into PSG's starting lineup. He currently behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi in the picking order. He is a good player and would give good competiton to Soldado. 

GOING:

1. RAMI: Targeted by Napoli, Arsenal, Man City and host of other European clubs.He wants to go so we should cash in by selling him. 

2.SOLDADO: Targeted by Tottenham, PSG, and other clubs. He has expressed desire to stay with Valencia. We shouldnt sell him. Team should be built around him. He is our best player. He should be retained at all cost.

3. DIEGO ALVES:  He has been currently linked with a move to AS Roma  and Man city. We expect him to leave because we cant keep two good keepers.

4.FERNANDO GAGO:  Sell him, sell him, sell him. He has his heart set on move back to Argentina. We dont need half hearted players.

5.ALY CISSOKHO: He is a decent player. A defensive minded player is linked with a move to Liverpool. I think we should keep him. If we play Jermey in center back then we will need him in left back. He would be a good cover if Jermey gets injured.

6. VICENTE GUAITA: Valencia have made it clear that VG is up for sale according to insidespanishfootball.com. He is a long term target for Barca as a replacement for Victor Valdes. WTF? if we are going to sell our two best keepers who are we going to buy? Almunia? Jesus, save Valencia.

7. PABLO PIATTI: Piatti has been transfer listed by Valencia. He has been seen as  surplus to requirement in Valencia. I dont know but as we need money we should sell him.


So there are lots of players who has been linked in and out of the club. We are in financial trouble so i dont expect any big name signings in this summer. But i do hope we sign Dos Santos and Romeu and a center back too. Main problem now is to retain our best players. Big Vultures are hovering over us. They will obviously want to take advantage of our financial problem. So i hope the players we sign turn  out to be very good.

amunt valencia!!!

Romeu to Valencia?

21 year old spanish midfielder, Oriol Romeu has been linked with a move to Valencia. The youngster who graduated from Barca academy currently plies his trade in England with Chelsea FC. Romeu who has 2 years left in his contract is unsure of his future at Chelsea under new manager Jose Mourinho. It is certain Romeu will be a fringe player under Mou. He may welcome move to other clubs for more playing time.

Valencia CF are in a serious need of a defensive midfielder after key midfielders Tino Costa and David Albelda left the club. After losing out on Champions league spot to Real Sociadad on last day of the season, Valencia are in some sort of financial problem. So a season long loan deal and option to buy would be a good deal. 21year old  is a good player in the mould of Sergio Busquets. He can also play in center back position which would be a bonus.

He had a good first season under manager Andres villas Boas. But after being hit by knee injury in his second season he could not get much playing time. So he may be interested in a move to Valencia CF.

It could be a good deal for both the parties.

New Valencia CF Kit 2013-14

Valencia CF introduced the new dresses for the season 2013/14 a couple of days ago. The home kit will be the traditional black and white kit as has been in the past several years, the away kit will be orange in color with black and white stripes in the middle at an angle.

I like the new kits, they are simple and easy on the eyes with some good lines and features that make them interesting and cool.

Jermey Mathieu signs contract extension until 2017

Jermey Mathieu who was earlier linked with a move to Barcelona has committed future with Valencia CF. He   has signed a contract extension until 2017.  29 year old said that he wants to end his carrier at Valencia and contract renual was an easy decision.

It is a good move by Valencia because Jermey is a versatile player. The Frenchman can play in left back, left wing and this season he also played in center back position.

Miroslav Djukic to be next Valencia CF coach

Ernesto Valverde came at the press conference last night and confirmed to reporters that he is no longer going to be the coach of Valencia CF. He said that he told the team that just before the match so he could motivate them, weird logic eh, but either way now Valencia CF is looking towards Miroslav Djukic to become the new coach as he has rejected extending his contract and has publicly stated that he would love to coach Valencia CF.

Reports from earlier also confirm that the club was talking to him for a while now, covering all angles if Valverde left and as such the negotiations with Djukic would go alot faster and we should know within few weeks if he is the new Valencia CF coach.

I like him as a coach, he is a very disciplined coach with good defensive background, but has an overall good understanding of gameplay, while his downside is that he lacks experience with bigger clubs and hasn't had any real major success as a coach.

Either way I don't see Valencia CF doing good at all for the foreseeable future. Now with the club being out of the Champions League they lose so much money and they would have to trim down on the first team salaries which means some players would have to leave and third grade replacement will be brought in to keep the treasury balanced. Unless some major billionaire invests in the club this summer I'm expecting things to just slowly but surely go downhill.