SuperSheva7

Albelda and Canizares shocked at Koeman purge VALENCIA, Spain, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Valencia's David Albelda and Santiago Canizares said they were shocked and disappointed at coach Ronald Koeman's decision to axe them from the first team and drum them out of the club. 'I'm devastated because this was the last thing I expected after all I have achieved at this club,' Valencia captain Albelda told a news conference on Thursday. 'They haven't explained why they have done this. Koeman just said he didn't have any faith in my leadership on or off the pitch and I responded that after 20 days in charge of the team he didn't know me well enough. 'He has no idea the sort of effort it took for me to get here.' Koeman, who took charge of the team at the start of last month, decided to exclude Spain midfielder Albelda, goalkeeper Canizares and winger Miguel Angel Angulo from the first team for the rest of the season following a recent run of poor results. Valencia have been knocked out of the Champions League and dropped from fourth to seventh place in the Primera Liga since the Dutchman took over. Koeman gave no reason for his decision other than the fact that tough decisions needed to be made to get the club back on track. Albelda, former Spain keeper Canizares and Angulo are three of the club's most influential, experienced and successful players. All three were part of the side that won the league title in 2002 and did the league and UEFA Cup double two years later when Rafa Benitez was in charge. The 38-year-old Canizares has been with Valencia since 1998, Albelda, who is 30 and has won 50 caps, graduated from the youth system as did Angulo. Albelda said he felt betrayed by club president Juan Soler and his board. 'The directors at this club have no class or status to humiliate me like this. I have received no explanation from the president or anyone in his circle. I am leaving with my head held high and my conscience clear.' Canizares said he was mulling over whether or not to retire after the club's decision to show him the door after almost a decade's service. 'I haven't decided what to do next. The other day I was 99 percent sure I would retire at Valencia and it is probable that Valencia will be the last shirt I wear. soccernet.com ------------------------------------------------------------ i was furiuos when i read this! stupid Koeman!! i understand he wants the squad to improve, but sacking the captain and one of the players that has been there for a while doesnt do anything to the teams morale. i saw a vid of Abelda crying at a press comference and it broke my heart on the bottom right: Albelda crying

hiya, and welcome! i didnt know where it was...

good 2nd half, i enjoyed the win esp Sheva's goal. its good to see him scoring and with a Ballack assist as well! and lol at Crouch, who does he think he is?

jose wasn't on the list.

that was cute, im sure are boys sing in the dressing room now too. if only it was taped.

wow, i like it! if i ever go to SB i'll sing it

i meant all the complaining, not just on this thread. what ever, never mind.

i am so tired of everyone talking about Grant, Cech, and this game.....can we get over it already?

lol. it was definitely a step down. RA wants a yes man, but if he sees his own way isn't working im sure he'll think Grant is the problem and sack him.

if we are trophy less this season, i dont see him being sacked yet. but i also dont see him staying for 4 years. surely Roman wants to win stuff eventually.

probably off to Milan. Ancelotti wins them the club world cup but Berlusconi still isn't satisfied. its probably because they are so inconsistent in the league. Milan are my second club and i wouldn't mind him going there,he'll definitely do the business:)

stupid Eboue!

dont forget Vucinic, he scored a hat trick in the CL a few weeks ago.

good news!

lol true i guess we just have to cross our fingers then, everyone goes through a rough patch during the season. RVP's left footed shot today was hilarious!

ya, our fixtures arn't too bad but i dont see manure slipping up anytime soon.Diara....and to think, left to get playing time. lol.

good point

yup! best Chelsea player today...by far.

im more fed up with SWP, he is just sooo frustrating!! wasted one of the best chances of the game!!!!

Ash was great, other than that WTF! Sheva's free kick wasnt too bad and all the other missed chances were soooo FRUSTRATING! EBOUE!!! go to effin hell! and take that cheater Cesc with ya!!

exactly!

we threw everything at them, and still couldnt get a goal

lol at Wigan. i thought the score would the other way around

aww. what a good kid, wanting to finish school and all anyways, does anyone know anything about him?

good for him, we'll really see whats in store when he buys his own players.