Koeman: We Deserved Something

The Dutch coach believes that his team's performance was encouraging and explained that the players were all upset to have lost the game.

Sergio Agüero scored the only goal of the game at Vicente Calderón in the opening half, but Valencia went on to hit the woodwork four times.

"We had to work very hard to pull ourselves into the game. We had lost the ball a lot in midfield," Koeman explained.

"In the first 20 minutes, Atlético were better, but later on there was only one team in it and we derserved a better result as we played well and had chances.

"The team gave everything and played well. I am disappointed about the result, but we are on the right path and I am sure that will improve.

"We have not had much luck. The team is unhappy because we should have taken something, but we should remain positive."

Koeman also believes that Antonio López cleared Nikola Zigic's header off the line with his arm, but television replays showed that was debatable.

"In the second half there was a clear handball in the Atlético area which should have been a penalty and a sending off," he added.

Valencia To Enter Diarra Chase

Los Ché boss Ronald Koeman has had favourable reports about the 22-year-old from his English scouts and believes that he would add strength to his midfield.

The Gunners have been reported as accepting Newcastle's £5.5m bid, but Diarra may fancy a switch to Spanish football is Valencia were to make an approach.

Also in the running are Tottenham Hotspur and their interest has meant that the Magpies have been unable to push through a deal despite offering the player a four year deal worth £35,000-a-week.

While Juande Ramos is said to view Diarra as the player to give his midfield some much-needed strength, Valencia's involvement could see the whole scenario change.

The Spanish league side are keen to bolster their squad as Koeman looks to make his mark after replacing Quique Sánchez Flores before Christmas.

Manuel Fernandes has already left the club, to return on loan to Everton, while David Albelda has been told that he is surplus to requirements.

Atletico Madrid's want-away midfielder Maniche could have taken a step closer to his move to Internazionale, following the news that his agent has arr

Valencia usually have a number of training sessions each week that are open to their supporters to come down and watch their favourite players at close quarters.

Since Koeman has joined Valencia, the number of actual supporters turning up has been far outweighed by the press contingent and Koeman feels that this is not the best atmosphere for him to turn the fortunes of the side around.

"As coach I request maximum tranquillity to be able to work in a relaxed way, but football is also for the fans," he told Marca.

"What it cannot be is the plain clothes press constantly there; I believe that there is a limit and from the first day I have seen that this club needs more tranquillity so that the players can work well.

"Lately, I feel as if we have done something bad every day. I leave the car or dressing room and have eight cameras ahead. I desire to have the maximum tranquillity to work."

Moving ahead to Valencia's trip to Atlético Madrid on Sunday, Koeman feels his team have a good chance of coming away from the Vicente Calderón with a good result.

"If we continue as we have been I believe that we can get a good result. Their forwards may be decisive, but they do not give me fear because I see my team improving little-by-little.

"The confidence level has raised compared to when I first came and that means that our ideas are sticking."

Finally, Koeman was asked whether Valencia would be making any more signings in January - following the purchase of Ever Banega, who is expected to be amongst the squad for Sunday's game - and seemed to suggest they would if the right player became available.

"We always try to improve the team," he concluded.

Banega Off To A Controversial Start In Spain

The video, which has been dubbed 'Dico Pico' has caused a stir in the Spanish media and has become one of the top stories on numerous non-sporting news programs in the Valencia area.

Several cameras followed Banega through the airport as he travelled with the Valencia squad for their Copa del Rey tie against Real Betis in Seville tonight, but he only offered a short reply when questioned by reporters.

"It does not bother me, I will continue the same," he stated.

With the current media circus surrounding the Mestalla and the currently shambolic term of Ronald Koeman, the timing of the Banega tape leak will certainly not have gone down well with those at the top at Valencia

Having said that, he has already proved himself to be pretty good at shaking hands with the governor - as it were - so should be able to patch up relations with his employers and work something out in the next few days.

Even before he has played a game for the club, Banega has already become well known in the media and he will have to hope that his performances on the field overshadow his extra-curricular activities when he makes his first-team debut in the coming weeks.

Koeman Aims For Cup Glory

Koeman understands the frustations of the Valencia supporters in recent weeks and feels that it is imperative his team do their utmost to secure some silverware by the end of the season.

"Being in the cup still gives Valencia a chance of winning something and is very important, moreso because we are not in the Champions League or UEFA Cup," Koeman told the gathered press.

The Dutchman is also aware that his side need to qualify for the Champions League via their league position and feels that a team like Valencia needs a strong performance in the league, alongside a cup win.

"Economically the team has to be in the Champions League and on the other hand winning trophies," he confirmed.

Moving onto Wednesday's game, Koeman did not give much specific information about his team aside from confirming that Timo Hildebrand would continue in goal because "we are not in a situation to rest players".

David Villa picked up a knock against Levante at the weekend and is a doubt for the Betis tie, although Koeman is hoping he will be fit in time.

"It is necessary to hope. The injury is there and hopefully we will have the surprise of him recovering between today and tomorrow. It is very complicated."

Some quarters have suggested that Koeman is struggling to get the best out of players such as Villa and David Silva, but the Dutchman does not believe that there is any of lack of effort on their part.

"They are two players who every day give their maximum for the club and their team-mates. I cannot complain about them."

Finally, Koeman was questioned about his rather dubious decision to play Javier Arizmendi - usually a striker - in defence for the game against Levante.

"I am content with his work in defence, we did not concede in that game," he concluded.

Who would be your ideal signing?

Since the introduction of the transfer window system, January has become a major focal point in the football season.

For clubs challenging for titles, it's a time for breathing fresh life into their bids for glory, while teams at the opposite end of the table scramble around in the knowledge that one inspirational signing can often mean the difference between relegation and the great escape.

Agents, meanwhile, spring back into feverish action, while out-of-favour players wait hopefully for the call that signals an opportunity to resurrect their faltering careers with another employer. At every level of the game, there will certainly be plenty of movement as managers and chairmen attempt to fill the gaps in their respective squads.

However, while the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Carlo Ancelotti and Ronald Koeman have spent the past few months working on their very own wishlists for the January sales, now it's the turn of you, the footballsport1.blogger.com users, to tell us who you would like to see arrive at your favourite clubs.

Precious few major deals have already taken place, with Ever Banega's 17.8 million euro move from Boca Juniors to Valencia the principal exception, but the pace tends to pick up towards the end of January, so this is your chance to let us know which player would represent a perfect fit for your teams. Is it a goalscorer you need? Or could your midfield do with a ball-winning battler or a gifted playmaker? Perhaps you've spotted the defender or goalkeeper who could stiffen up your backline?

Regardless, let us know by having your say right here on footballsport1.blogger.com Just click 'Add Your Comment' and tell us who would be your top transfer target.

Koeman Aims For Cup Glory

Koeman understands the frustations of the Valencia supporters in recent weeks and feels that it is imperative his team do their utmost to secure some silverware by the end of the season.

"Being in the cup still gives Valencia a chance of winning something and is very important, moreso because we are not in the Champions League or UEFA Cup," Koeman told the gathered press.

The Dutchman is also aware that his side need to qualify for the Champions League via their league position and feels that a team like Valencia needs a strong performance in the league, alongside a cup win.

"Economically the team has to be in the Champions League and on the other hand winning trophies," he confirmed.

Moving onto Wednesday's game, Koeman did not give much specific information about his team aside from confirming that Timo Hildebrand would continue in goal because "we are not in a situation to rest players".

David Villa picked up a knock against Levante at the weekend and is a doubt for the Betis tie, although Koeman is hoping he will be fit in time.

"It is necessary to hope. The injury is there and hopefully we will have the surprise of him recovering between today and tomorrow. It is very complicated."

Some quarters have suggested that Koeman is struggling to get the best out of players such as Villa and David Silva, but the Dutchman does not believe that there is any of lack of effort on their part.

"They are two players who every day give their maximum for the club and their team-mates. I cannot complain about them."

Finally, Koeman was questioned about his rather dubious decision to play Javier Arizmendi - usually a striker - in defence for the game against Levante.

"I am content with his work in defence, we did not concede in that game," he concluded.

Miguel Told To Stay In At Night

The Portuguese defender held a party at a disco in the city on Friday night that ended with teammate Miguel Fernandes being arrested and spending the night in a police cell.

Koeman has laid down a new code of conduct for his players and has already told the squad that anyone that steps outside of that will be disciplined and could eventually leave.

Last year, Miguel openly spoke about his nocturnal activities and revealed that he goes out every Thursday and has smoked since he was a teenager.

While that kind of behaviour was tolerated by former coach Quique Sánchez Flores, as long as it did not affect his performances, Koeman is less flexible.

The Dutchman was said to be very unhappy to read about the party and subsequent run-in with the law in the papers and has told Miguel to start staying in.

Marca claim that while the former Benfica full-back will not be sold or loaned out in the winter transfer market, he could be off-loaded in the summer.

Aragonés Worried About Albelda

The Spain boss is worried about the defensive midfielder's form if he stays at Mestalla and is not picked for the rest of the season.

Albelda has been a regular in the Spanish side under Aragonés as they overcame a poor start to the qualification campaign to book a place at Euro 2008.

Following the arrival of Koeman at Valenica, Albelda has been told that he is now surplus to requirements and that is causing the national boss to worry.

"It is a major concern for the national team. Albelda is the defensive protector in the team and him not playing affects us," Aragonés told Radio Marca.

"He needs to be playing, either at Valencia or another team, or we will have to look for someone else in his position."

No official explanation has been given for the Valencia trio's ostracism from the squad and there have been confusing messages coming from the club.

Over the festive break, los Ché president Juan Soler announced that none of the player's were unwelcome and would be sold, but that changed only hours later.

Koeman held a press conference and reiterated his decision to drop the three of them and start his project on a new footing.

While Cañizares has been linked to a move to Brazil, Albelda's future looks to be in England or Italy with clubs such as Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all monitoring his situation.

Valencia: No Villa Bid From Chelsea

There has been speculation in the Spanish papers that Blues boss Avram Grant was looking to bolster his attack with a sensational January capture of the top rated Ches star, but this has since been dismissed as outright media fabrication.

"Valencia has not received an offer for David Villa from Chelsea in the last few days,” a club spokesman insisted.

"We only know the news that's in the papers."

The Spanish international's agent Jose Luis Tamargo also moved to dismiss the rumours.

"Villa's reputation is strong in Europe, but selling him or not depends on Valencia,” said Tamargo.

"At the moment the player is only thinking of playing to help the club."

Grant has been linked with moves for Nicolas Anelka and Dimitar Berbatov in particular, but even he has played down reports that he is desperate to sign a striker during the January transfer window.