Three managers managed the Bats last season. After the debatable decision of getting rid of Quique Sánchez Flores, Ronald Koeman led the team to a Copa del Rey final victory over Getafe CF – qualifying the team to UEFA Cup – he eventually stepped down with Salvador ‘Voro’ González then ensuring the permanence of the team in the Spanish First Division only two games before the end of the season.
However, things have changed this season. Despite an injury to Silva, Valencia are obviously flourishing. A victory by a 1-0 in the UEFA Cup first round first-leg win at CS Marítimo is added to the impressive beginning in the local competition. “There wasn’t much unity in the camp when I got here, and divisions like that can hurt a team,” the former Real Sociedad de Fútbol midfielder said. “I’m trying to heal those divisions and I feel the team are on the right path now.”
Emery’s career is as short as successful. He first managed Lorca Deportivo CF where he won promotion to the second division in 2004/05, to then be hired by Almería in 2006 and in two seasons they earned promotion and then an eighth placed top-flight finish. “I know I’m labelled as inexperienced but I’m not worried about that as it’s all I’ve ever known,” Valencia’s youngest-ever coach said. “I don’t feel in any way unskilled at what I’m doing. When I was a player, I always thought as a coach.”
