Marcelino may have already tried to distance Valencia from title-challenge talk, but after eight games in the Spanish top flight, they sit in second place. A previously unthinkable occurrence, given their constant swaying from one crisis to another over the last two years.
While Sevilla find themselves in the upper reaches of the league standings down to some flashes of individual quality, Los Che’s success has been founded in the collective. Inspiration from certain players has certainly helped, but a particular game plan and philosophy has been adhered to in order to allow creative types to do their work in the best possible areas and situations.
“We will continue on this path,” Marcelino explained after his side’s 6-3 win against Real Betis on Sunday evening. “We will always have humility and go step by step, with enthusiasm, ability and ambition. We will remain optimistic.”
Each test thus far has been made to look far smaller a hurdle that it may otherwise have been. Atletico Madrid were held to an opening-day draw at Mestalla, before a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid ended with the spoils being shared. Real Betis, who have also turned a rather large corner in terms of both setup and style this campaign, were the latest opponent considered a potential stumbling block for Marcelino’s machine - but for long periods at the Benito Villamarin this weekend they looked comfortable. Valencia exude confidence, with Marcelino’s demands and methods inspiring the levels of enthusiasm required to keep pace in a breathless season.
Los Che’s new 4-4-2 system allows for any game to be played on their terms. There are huge possibilities for them to play on the counter-attack, but their central midfield pairing of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Dani Parejo offers the capability to control contests too. It allows for Valencia to be comfortable both while camped deep or deployed a little higher upfield, with the flexibility in their play meaning that tactical consistency is not only possible on a week-by-week basis, but incredibly effective.
One of the players to benefit from this relentless focus on quick transitions is Goncalo Guedes. He is one of the breakout stars of this La Liga season, exciting and productive while striding forth purposefully on the break. A sumptuous 25-yard strike into the top-left corner against Betis was just the latest imprint the Portugal international left on the field. Valencia’s constant commitment to taking risks and counter-attacking suits the Paris Saint-Germain-owned forward down to the ground. Once he hits full stride and top speed, there are few in the division who can match his pace.
Elsewhere Rodrigo Moreno continues to stage a resurgence up front, with goals arriving both domestically and for his country. Individuals who struggled under Marcelino’s predecessors, or were spending their time playing for the club’s B-team campaign last season, have been given new foundations to build from. Nacho Vidal’s performances at right-back have made Martin Montoya appear expendable, while Toni Lato is a more than capable deputy for Jose Gaya on the opposite side of the back four.
During Valencia’s regional festival on October 9, the club emblazoned its homegrown first-teamers across advertisements and on their social media platforms, proudly displaying the native core of a side that is starting to reconnect with its fan base on many levels. The club’s loud Curva Sud section has returned from a mixture of imposed and self-imposed exile this season, and there is genuine optimism at last.
Marcelino has his players showing a genuine hunger, and his young additions playing with freedom, cultivating a winning mentality as they go. There have been blips - such as Betis being allowed to score three late goals on Sunday - but a clear line has been drawn in the sand with regards to what is acceptable and what constitutes a cardinal sin under the new order.
Ex-player Gaizka Mendieta surmised the situation best in an interview with Revista Libero this month, as the former Valencia midfielder explained that the positive transition was apparent from the moment that “football men” came into the club during 2017. Previously, owner Peter Lim appeared to be trusting the wrong people. Now, his finances and reputation are in much safer hands.
Marcelino has been given the reins in terms of transfer dealings, and there can be no doubt that his plans are being strictly adhered to on the field. The 52-year-old may have laughed off the idea of challenging Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title, but his mixture of hard work and new ideas has both his players and Valencia’s fans believing that anything is possible at Mestalla this campaign.
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