Valencia Revolution

[Pat Murphy]

Valencia Players In Shock, But Koeman Defiant

The Valencia squad is in shock following Ronald Koeman's public decision to axe skipper David Albelda and goalkeeper Santi Canizares from the team.

The decision came down from Koeman yesterday, publicly anouncing that the two senior players would not be a part of the club's remaining two games in 2007, and possibly be axed for the entire season.

Unwilling to elaborate on the exact reasons, he had said: "With respect to everyone and to Cañizares and Albelda, I have explained everything to them.

"We have decided that they will not be in the squad. They will not play in the next two games and then we shall see about the future.

"These are strong decisions that we have to take for the good of Valencia and that is most important."

The dressing room seems to have been shocked, and the players were pictured in just that state last evening as they waited to travel to San Sebastian for the Copa del Rey clash against Basque side Real Union.

The atmosphere has prompted Spanish daily Marca to say: "It was like a funeral procession."

However, Ronald Koeman was still defiant when asked if the steps were too strong.

"What are you talking about? I have not killed anybody," he scoffed.

It is understood that he is determined to break up the clique of senior players determined to run things their way, and focus on young players who can get the club to move forward.

The likes of Ruben Baraja and Miguel Angulo are supposedly next on his list.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Valencia Players In Shock, But Koeman Defiant

[Pat Murphy]

Takes courage to axe 2 of the old boys in Albelda and Canizares. He's trying to get a reaction from the players but I'm not sure it will work. He's going all in and he can either win everything or lose everything.

[skeeta]

Canizares has also had some howlers seemingly attributable to lack of attention.

My sense, however, is that Koeman's interest in exiling him is motivated more by Canizares' role in the dressing room than any failings of his on the pitch.

[Pat Murphy]

Angulo Becomes Latest Casualty Of Koeman’s Revolution

Miguel Angel Angulo has been un-ceremonially dumped from the Valencia squad as Coach Ronald Koeman swings his axe again.

Newly appointed head-coach of Valencia, Ronald Koeman, has made a series of startling selection decisions recently, and it seems his persistence in his quest to drag Valencia out of the doldrums shows no signs of abating.


Indeed, Miguel Angel Angulo has become the latest high-profile player to be axed by the Dutchman.

"I was told today by the club's sporting director Miguel Angel Ruiz that Angulo will not be called up for the first team again this season," the player's spokesman Jose Luis Tamargo told Radio Marca on Wednesday.

"This comes as a real shock and although I respect the decision of the coach I do not understand it. Angulo does not plan to leave the club and he will wait and see what happens."

The Spanish international’s axing comes straight after Koeman’s controversial decision to drop club captain David Albelda and veteran goalkeeper Santiago Canizares from the first team.

Furthermore, the dropping of Angulo may have a greater ramification than a mere exclusion, as Albelda and Canizares have also been told that their Valencia careers are over.

Although Koeman’s stance has angered many fans, Valencia president Juan Soler has given his full backing to the Dutchman.

"The technical staff, the coach and sporting director have told the president it is vital to leave Canizares and Albelda out of the team," vice president Enrique Lucas told the club's website.

"The president has accepted the coach's decision in the understanding that everyone's professional life comes to an end."


Rumour has it that Ruben Baraja could be the next player to be banished from the Mestalla as Koeman's clear-out continues.

The midfielder is said to be part of a clique of senior players for whom the coach has no time.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Angulo Becomes Latest Casualty Of Koeman’s Revolution


It's definately a move to rid the dressing room of the old boy network influence as that's Cani, Albelda and Angulo axed.

Interestingly it says here that Angulo will not play for Valencia again this season. It didn't say this about the other 2 but it may have been implied.

[lionel]

might work.

[Vargas_4]

I have no idea what reaction is Koeman expecting. The fans are already quite pissed off. We'll see what happens with all this...

[LAF]

Originally Posted by skeeta

Canizares has also had some howlers seemingly attributable to lack of attention.

My sense, however, is that Koeman's interest in exiling him is motivated more by Canizares' role in the dressing room than any failings of his on the pitch.

Agreed.

Valencia had to do something as they have been shocking.

[Pat Murphy]

Koeman: Cañizares And Albelda Can Say What They Want

Following his side's close-fought win over Real Union de Irun, Ronald Koeman declared to the press that he's willing to take any flak from David Albelda and Santiago Cañizares...

Valencia boss Ronald Koeman knows that he could come in for criticism after ostracising David Albelda and Santi Cañizares from the squad, but he's prepared to put up with it - even from the players themselves.

After his side won 2-1 at Irun in the Copa del Rey - sans Albelda and the goalie - he told the press, "They have the right of reply, but I'm not concerned about what they're going to say."

The boss, however, would not confirm that the two were to be left out of the squad on a permanent basis.

Indeed, 'Tintin' would not elaborate on the previous statement that they would miss the rest of December's games, meaning the Copa match and Saturday's meeting with Real Zaragoza at the Romareda.

Nor would he be drawn on the fate of Miguel Angel Angulo, another player who has been involved in recent drama.

Rumour has it that, of the three, Angulo has the least chance of undergoing a redemption at the Mestalla.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Koeman: Cañizares And Albelda Can Say What They Want

[Pat Murphy]

Koeman Clear-Out Continues With Another Three

Ronald Koeman appears to have only just started his clean-up operation at Valencia with Nikola Zigic, Manuel Fernandes and Vicente now set to be outcast.

The Dutch coach has decided that revolution is required in order to cure the club of its ills this season and has already told three veterans that they are no longer required.

Miguel Ángel Angulo's name was added to those of Santi Cañizares and David Albelda earlier this week, but not it looks like there are more players heading for the exit.

Zigic and Fernandes arrived in the summer for around €18m each and were reportedly targetted and signed by sporting director, Miguel Ángel Ruiz,

Previous coach, Quique Sánchez Flores, did not take to the pair either and the fact that Koeman has now made it clear they are not wanted has caused friction.

While Ruiz is in charge of bringing in new players during the winter transfer window, it was Koeman that announced that a deal to sign Kleber was almost completed.

While Ruiz may not be happy, the club president, Juan Soler, is supporting his trainer and will not be unhappy that another player looks to be on the way out of the club.

Vicente caused problems earlier this season when he blamed the Valencia medical staff for failing to cure him of an injury and that did not go down well with the board.

Koeman and Soler are keen to rid the club of a hierarchy within the squad that was reportedly led by some of the veteran players.

Although Los Ché were well placed when Flores was sacked earlier this term, it appears now that he could have gone in part because of problems behind the scenes.

Goal.com

Goal.com - Valencia - Koeman Clear-Out Continues With Another Three

[Pat Murphy]

I think 3 exiles is a start but surely Zigic and Fernandes would have next to no dressing room influence as they've just joined. Also the fans might not put up with Vicente being axed as he's a big big fan favourite.

Zigic + Fernandes came in the summer for £22m so that's gone down the drain.

He's axing 2 good DM's. They'll have to play Sunny, Albiol or Marchena in those positions now.

[Vargas_4]

What the fuck is wrong with Koeman?? There will be hell to pay once the shit hits the fan...

[Oliver_Kahn]

Who the hell axes Vicente !?!
Who's next ? Villa ?

And why Zigic ? I don't understand that one.

Fernandes I was expecting, since Koeman had a disagreement with Fernandes at Benfica and was the main reason for Fernandes leaving to Portsmouth

[Vargas_4]

If Koeman axes Joaquin, Morientes or Villa...

All hell will break loose.

[Pat Murphy]

I think all hell might break loose......

Canizares To Retire, Humiliated Albelda To Soldier On

Valencia outcasts Santiago Canizares and David Albelda have spoken out about their Mestalla exile, with the experienced goalkeeper seemingly set to quit football, while a "humiliated" Albelda will press on...

After Ronald Koeman swung the axe on Valencia captain David Albelda and goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, the pair have spoken out about their current situation.

The experienced stopper told a press conference, "The other day, I said that I was 99% certain that I wanted to retire with Valencia, and I've likely played my last game for them, as they've decided that.

"Maybe this is the farewell that God had planned for me."

Canizares and Albelda have been told that they won't be considered again this year for a Valencia squad, with all indicators pointing to the possibility that this is, indeed, a permanent arrangement.

Indeed, 38-year-old Canizares' agents are currently working to extricate the goalie from his contract, which runs until 2009.

Adios, Capitan

David Albelda, meanwhile, has no intention of quitting football, but is clearly stunned with this turn of events.

"The club's leadership has no class," he said, referring to their decision not to issue to him an official notice of dismissal, and instead letting coach Koeman do the honours.

"After what we've achieved here and growing with the club, I can die in peace," continued the 30-year-old.

"I leave with a clear conscience. I always did my best and was always willing to help."

Unlike Santi, Albelda has no desire to quit football.

"I was absolutely shocked because it's so unexpected, after all I've been through, but I forsee more days to come," he began.

"But those who sacked me didn't have the class not to humiliate me, and although I do hope that there are changes in form, I don't agree with the methods.

"Don't humiliate me. I'll always be remembered in Valencia as a humble friend who helped out."

Goal.com

Goal.com - Spain - Canizares To Quit, Albelda Will Carry On