Why Christmas is so special for everyone goes beyond my grasp. I guess cold nights, cuddly bonfires and presents under the tree seem a good way of spending the holidays. Meanwhile, in Valencia, these weeks are prone to changes, negotiations and a lot of rumours and speculation. Djukic has been sacked and Pizzi’s arrival must be confirmed this weekend.
Let me take a minute to say that I hope Djukic’s future as a manager is brighter than what we have seen in Mestalla for the last six months. I think the Serbian is much better and will succeed in clubs that have a less cheeky squad to be put under control. The ‘heavyweights’ inside the locker room ignored the manager months ago and the team never showed any spirit or soul to be taken seriously as a mighty contender in the Spanish League.
In fact, last Thursdays game offered a perfect example of the ‘motivation’ –the quotes are ironic- sported by these players, guys that have largely forgot what words such as sacrifice, effort or pride mean in the Valencian dictionary. And the crowd –who ran away from watching such a poor show, only 5,000 fans gathered in Mestalla- went on to criticise players such as Banega or Postiga, who are not fan-favourites right now because of their poor performances. Nico Estevez, the young and promising manager that has been put in charge this week, tried to cheer the team up, without luck.
So, what’s next? Pizzi, not to get confused with pizza, that is a couple of players’ favourite meal. The Argentinian coach told yesterday the San Lorenzo board to find another manager because he’s outta there. Fans in Buenos Aires where not happy, indeed. He got slammed pretty hard and negotiations are still running, but he has spoken his mind: though the team is a desertic mess of wasted quality, he thinks he can help out the ship from sinking.
And speaking of the devil… Mor ewater comes running from the different situations Salvo has to face daily involving the club being sold by Bankia to the highest bidder. Stabilty is something long forgotten and everyone is expecting an announcemente being made seconds after Valencia CF is sold to an investor. Salvo tries to resist and, in fact, is looking for a buyr himself so he can remain at charge.
Therefore, Pizzi and Fabian Ayala, another one of Valencia’s legends who is coming home to work as a scout in the South-American football market, are going to land on a club that is days off from being sold… which would mean that the new owners may want to put trusted people at charge. Madness, indeed. What a Christmas holiday awaits us. Ho, ho, ho!
Paco Polit (@pacopolit)
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