Valencia looked the better of the two sides during their season opener against Barcelona in the first half, but could not maintain that intensity in the second half. They eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat, but the most concerning thing will be manager Ruben Baraja’s words after the match.
During the final stages of the match, Baraja threw on loanee Dani Gomez, as well as 20-year-old Martin Tejon and 16-year-old David Otorbi for their debuts. Baraja was asked why he turned to them in such a pressure situation.
“There were moments when we had to look for solutions with speed up front, also with Dani Gomez coming on. We were lacking football and we were looking for spaces. Without investment, this is the reality of things. We will have to play with the players from the academy and make them grow. Players 16 or 19 years old. This is our reality,” he told Diario AS.
Pushed for more on the lack of investment from owners Peter Lim and Meriton Holdings, Baraja had little answer.
”I don’t know what to answer. I don’t have the numbers, I don’t know the financial situation of the club. What I mean is that a team to face a season like this needs to have variations and options. There is still time in the transfer market left and we are working to achieve alternatives. But this does not depend on me.”
"Without investment, this is the reality of things. We will have to play with the players from the academy and make them grow. Players 16 or 19 years old. This is our reality."#VCF manager Ruben Baraja on the lack of signings. pic.twitter.com/UBfRrfGBfv
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 20, 2024
Baraja was also asked whether the lack of investment was affecting his motivation.
“I tend to be optimistic and I think that with work and effort, with the players wanting to be here, things can be done. There are a series of parameters that are economic. I am dedicated to getting the most out of it and in difficult situations we have to overcome it.”
Meanwhile 22-year-old Cesar Tarrega looks set to stay at the club, after Valencia rejected loan offers from Getafe and Osasuna. He is part of Baraja’s plans for the coming season, after a successful loan spell in the second half of the season last year at Real Valladlid. Los Che intend to move Cenk Ozkacar on instead.
With Liverpool in advanced negotiations for Giorgi Mamardashvili, Los Che may well be waiting for their first big sale of the summer to go through before they can make moves. Reportedly they have personal terms agreed with Alaves winger Luis Rioja, but have been unable to move for him.
The most concerning part of the matter is that it is the first time that Baraja has publicly complained about Lim and the ownerships method of business. Four of Valencia’s last five managers have all left or been sacked with relations at breaking point due to their exhaustion with Valencia’s hierarchy, with Marcelino Garcia Toral, Javi Gracia, Jose Bordalas and Gennaro Gattuso all leaving less than happy. Valencia fans will be hoping the same process is not underway with Baraja.
