Football Season Guide

The recent past was not particularly bright for Valencia as they failed to repeat the wonders displayed less than a decade ago, when they clinched their last Copa del Rey. It was immediately clear that the last season would not have been an easy one as they started the campaign very slowly, winning only 2 out of the initial 12 games. Things did not improve until the beginning of January, as they were struggling for survival and coach Corberan looked on the verge of sacking. The supporters, though, stood by their coach and the management picked a couple of relevant new players, midfielder Guido Rodriguez and striker Sadiq, during the winter transfer campaign, and Valencia thus slowly managed to drag themselves out of the bottom 3. In fact, thanks to 4 wins in the final 6 games, they actually closed the season on the 9th spot with 49 points. The European spots being only 2 points above them. While they did not excel offensively, with 46 goals scored, Valencia tended to be slightly too fragile defensively, with 55 goals conceded, only 6 less than the worst defences of the league. Corberan will now be in his second full season in charge of the team. Over the summer, Valencia lost starting goalie Agirrezabala, back to his parent club but not to be missed as Dimitrievski was a valid replacement while the former was out injured. Then, Starting right-back Thierry, no longer in the coach’s books, was let go, together with Saravia and centre-back/right-back Nunez, who sometimes replaced him. No right-back was signed yet, with youngster Iranzo to play a more relevant role and Foulquier back from injury. In the heart of the defence, back-up Comert was let go and should be replaced by de Haas, arriving from Famaliçao. The midfield was hardly touched with seldom-considered Santamaria leaving for Panathinaikos and Dieng arriving from Egypt. The attack lost a starter in winger Ramazani while versatile striker/attacking midfielder Beltran also left. Sato could well replace the former while no real alternative came for the latter.