Peter Lim reminds us just who is in charge at Valencia
The traditionally quiet return from the international break was abruptly interrupted yesterday as news broke that Marcelino had suddenly been sacked as Valencia head coach and there seems to be a degree of impulsiveness in the move. One can understand Lim's frustration over the failed Rodrigo transfer as he endeavoured to recover some of the 60 million euro investment but sacking Marcelino will offer no positive economic uplift and indeed it may see the Asian businessman out of pocked paying-off the Asturian and now having to hire Albert Celades as his replacement. All this does is have a negative impact on the volatile Valencia fan base who were actually more than content with their coach. The move also bears the hallmarks of a power play as a reminder of precisely who is in charge of the football club.
Honesty
It was no secret that both sporting director Alemany and Marcelino had their differences with Peter Lim relating to the direction of the club. Lim wanted to shake things up with the squad and Alemany had a plan of how to secure payback for the Singaporean's investment in the club with the sporting director being exquisitely discreet in his dealings despite the setbacks found along the way. Marcelino, as head coach was contractually bound to face the media at least once a week where the question of signings, transfers ...was never far away from the top of the media agenda as the Asturian, on occasion offered his honest opinion on the matter. This exhibition of frankness was clearly deemed as a mortal sin in the eyes of the owner.
Uncertain future
As a result, Marcelino is out and Celades is in with the view that the former Spain U-21 boss will construct a team in the future on the cheap and full of youth players and I hope all works out well. In my view, Peter Lim (who I'd hoped more from) has committed the sin of arrogantly running the club like a toy. This episode has stunned the city just as the club were tasting glory following a series of seasons in the wilderness. Valencia and it's loyal supporters are now paying the price for bowing down to an exotic overseas rich benefactor after years when local Valencianos managed the institution in such a poor manner where no local was interested in taking over the club. A casual look further south at what is happening at Málaga with Al Thani and then the Mediterranean city really starts to tremble.