Spain’s victory in the World Cup was greeted with pandemonium in Valencia, especially as the winning goal in the final was scored by their very own Ferran Torres. His achievement was rewarded with the town hall paying tribute to him in a regal ceremony that was well received by all concerned. The Foios-born wonder kid has since joined Paris Saint Germain from FC Barcelona as the French club aim to triple up on Champions League victories, having won the last two tournaments comfortably.

Once again, Los Che will not be in Europe and as they head into the new season they are under intense scrutiny after a mediocre pre-season campaign. The team had a few days training in Paterna before heading up the coast to Girona for a friendly with the Angolan outfit Atlético Petróleos de Luanda.

Virtually unknown outside Africa, Petro were formed in 1980 and have the financial backing of the state-owned oil company Sonangol. That financial clout has led them to winning the ‘Girabola’ (Angolan first division) more times than any other of their counterparts.

The African side won the game 3-1 with Valencia giving game time to lots of players and little was learned from the experience from a supporters’ perspective. A few days later, Valencia teamed up against Eldense in a much more meaningful friendly.

The team looked a much better outfit than the previously encounter and found a rhythm to their play that would have excited their fans. Sato, Raba and Jesús Vázquez scored in the 3-0 victory which was arguably their best pre-season performance.

They followed this up with a poor effort that saw them lose by the solitary goal to Castellón. The second division team, owned by Pablo Hernández, just missed out on promotion to La Liga last season and will be fully determined to go one better this time around.

A quick trip over to the Midlands in England came next, for matches against two EFL Championship sides, Derby County and Stoke City. The game against the Rams was played behind closed doors and ended up with Valencia winning the match by two goals to one. A double from Danjuma gave Los Che the victory.

The Stoke game attracted a decent crowd but very little quality football as both teams settled for a draw. Danjuma continued his goal scoring feats by opening the scoring only for Valencia to be pegged back courtesy of an unlucky own goal by Monferrer. The form of Danjuma has been impressive, so much so, that rumours are swirling that PSV Eindhoven are looking to capture his signature before the transfer window closes.

The marque game on the pre-season calendar was the annual Trofeo Taronja, when the squad is presented to the side before the game. In the past Santos, Boca Juniors, Hamburg and Ajax have all been opponents in this prestigious contest, and this time Valencia had been able to entice Newcastle United to visit the Mestalla.

With a healthy turn out of Geordies at the game, a lot of the pre-match hype was focussed on the debut as manager of the German Matthias Jaissle for the visitors.

Valencia started well and took the lead from a well taken goal from Ugrinić. He cut inside from the wing and from just outside the area curled in an unstoppable shot past the Newcastle keeper. The game changed completely with the dismissal of Valencia captain Jose Gayà. An horrendous challenge on Anthony Elanga got a deserved red card and reduced the hosts to ten men.

The defensive nature of the Valencia coach Carlos Corberán kicked in, and he looked to hit the English side on the counter attack. This allowed Newcastle to boss midfield and create dangerous attacks in the process. It was no surprise when the Geordies hit two second half goals through Wissa to win the trophy.

Valencia were booed off the pitch, not so much for the performance, but for the tactics of the manager. The fans are becoming impatient with the negative style of play the team are employing, and early signs are Los Che will not be changing their style of play coming into the new season. Two further uninspiring friendlies followed, first was a humiliating defeat to Teruel (1-0) followed by a two-goal victory over Hercules. The Valencia goal scorers were Javi Guerra and Ryūnosuke.

Heading to the first la Liga game the computer has given Valencia a home game with Celta Vigo. Several of the summer transfers are in line for debuts. Four of the new signings would expect some playing time. The most interesting incoming transfer is that of Ryūnosuke Satō. He has been very impressive in the pre-season friendlies and has already become a crowd favourite with the Mestalla faithful.

Justin De Haas is likely to become a figurehead in Valencia’s defense, especially as Cenk and Cömert have left for Trabzonspor and Torino respectively. The club have also moved quickly to replace Santamaria who heads to PAOK in Greece and Thierry Correia who has joined the Serie A Club Venezia.

Aliou Dieng arrives on a free transfer from Al Ahly and will be expected to excel in defensive midfield duties and most recently the right back Pablo Maffeo has arrived on loan, with an option buy from Olympiacos to provide competition in that position with Foulquier.

With Valencia having their first two games at home (Celta and Betis) they have a chance to hit the ground running and make a statement to rival clubs. Levante UD meanwhile have had the worst possible start to their campaign losing their first La Liga game 3-0 to Espanyol.

The meteoric rise of Carlos Espí has led to him getting a mouthwatering transfer to Real Madrid in the summer and finding a replacement striker with a similar goals-to-games ratio will be key to Levante UD having a decent season. Mat Ryan signing for a further year is a bonus for Levante fans and he is sure to win points for the club with his goalkeeping abilities during the campaign.

Report by John Howden

Article copyright 24/7 Valencia

VALENCIA CF

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LEVANTE UD

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