Dealbert: “It’s an honour to play against Valencia CF”

Valencia CF play their first preseason friendly on Saturday at 7pm, with CD Castellón the opposition. Àngel Dealbert, who represented VCF from 2009 until 2012, is currently the Director of Football for the visiting side, and he spoke to VCF Media Radio on Friday.

“It is an honour for us to be able to play against Valencia CF in their first preseason game. We have been training for a few days and we are going to enjoy ourselves, do what we can and -above all- take care that there are no injuries for either team,” said the former defender.

“It’s a time to let off some steam and get back to playing football again. Right now there is a lot of running, even if there are exercises with the ball, but actually playing football is something that players want to do.”

Asked about what the club mean to him, Dealbert commented that “Valencia CF is part of me, like CD Castellón are; they are the two teams that have had the biggest impact on me during my career. It is a pleasure to be able to return to the Ciudad Deportiva, where I spent three wonderful years. I achieved some beautiful things there, and they are a club that gave me the opportunity to take an important step up. I was with great players, who are now friends. It is a special club for me.”

The Spaniard was not involved in the most recent meeting between the two clubs, back in 2013, but played in a 2003 Copa del Rey encounter that remains the last official match for VCF against CD Castellón.

“I remember that Valencia CF were coached by Rafa Benítez, and there was Baraja and Albelda in the side. It was a hard fought and intense match, and in the end Valencia CF went through.”

Upon arrival at Valencia CF, Dealbert immediately fitted in.

“I have very good friends from my time at the club. We had a fantastic dressing room, wonderful people, and we managed to finish third in the three seasons that I was there. We were a very exciting team and they were three very good years for us.”

Talking about the current state of the team, the ex-fullback believes a patient approach is required.

“There is an excellent youth system, and I hope that this continues, because Valencia CF are a very big club. I saw Gayà, Bernat, Alcácer and Isco all come through; they were kids at the time, but look at how they have succeeded now.

“Without a doubt, you have to trust in people and wait. I’m sure that they will try to do things in the best possible way. I wish Valencia CF all the best, and hope they get back to where they deserve, which is in the Champions League.

“I wish Javi Gracia the best of luck. I am sure that he will do well. He has a very important job at a very big club. I wish him the best, because the best for him will be the best for Valencia CF.”