The Bat Boys: A Valencia CF Podcast

In this episode, the boys discuss the starting lineup for the La Liga sprint, especially the addition of Guillamon vs. Levante. They also discuss Garay's saga regarding his contract negotiation breakdown with Valencia ownership. And lastly - he was who we thought he was - Gasperini being full of COVID symptoms as he traveled to Valencia. 

In this episode the boys discuss the win over Granada 2-1. They deep dive into the highlights of the match, which include: 

• Amazing performance by Gaya, Racic, and Diakhaby
• What's up with Soler?
• 1st half dominance
• Alex Blanco "King" of the Match
• 2nd Half struggles
• Substitutes, tactics, Soler, and more.

In this episode the boys discuss the Levante loss, the news of Anil Murthy leaving the club, the pros and cons of Prince of Johor, Yunus Musah joining the US National Team, the frustrating form of Guedes, and the predictions for Granada

In this episode the boys discuss the swirling news of Prince of Johor purchasing Valencia, the incredible match against Vilarreal which saw a last minute comeback for a desperate 3 points. We also discuss Alemany's new position on the leadership team under Laporta at Barcelona. Then we deep dive into our favorite moments from the match, the key themes from win, who played well and who didn't, and more. 

In this episode the boys discuss the 3-0 loss at the hands of Geafe. They also discuss continuing rumors on the sale of Valencia. Tim didn't watch this week's game because he couldn't bear to watch the poor result and the ultimate crying of Paulista. They discuss the future of Gracia and whether sacking him would help the club escape relegation in 2021. Lastly, they discuss the latest news surrounding the construction of the Nou Mestalla. 

In this episode, the boys discuss the win over Celta Vigo, which saw an outstanding performance from Kang-In Lee. They discuss the overall player performances, question why Lee hasn't been playing, whether Gracia should continue next season, the midfield performances, and the goals from Manu Vallejo and Kevin Gameiro. Oh, and all the haircuts. 

In this episode the Bat Boys discuss the very difficult loss away midweek against Sevilla in Copa del Rey. They discuss why it wasn't such a surprise, some positives coming out of the loss, and what this means for La Liga hopes moving forward. 

They also discuss the Elche win! This game gives Valencia a very, very needed 3 points to give the team some space from the relegation zone. They discuss the single goal, The Wass performance and lineup, Gaya's recent lack of form, the importance of Racic, and the burgeoning performances of Correira and more. 

Lastly, they discuss the three new signings for this season and some preview of who they are and their potential impact on the club.

The boys discuss the real challenge with being a Valencia CF fan: fatigue. Sam offers words of wisdom to the fanbase to overcome the fatigue that comes along with being a VCF Fan. We also discuss: 

• Atletico Match Recap
• Transfer Update: Piccini Returns
• Marcelino Tears through La Liga
• The Racic Goal and Current Form
• Overcoming Valencia Fatigue
  • Match Predictions: Sevilla and Elche

In this episode the boys discuss the 1-0 win against Valladolid away. We saw a return of Kang-In Lee with Wass in right midfield and Correira behind. We discuss match highlights and key performances (hint Diakhaby). We also discuss any potential transfers, the upcoming matches in Copa and Liga. 

• Our best game of the season?
• Different Lineup
• Player Notes: Dia, Soler, Racic, Lee
• The Turnaround of Diakhaby
• Yunus Musah's full field run

In this episode, the boys discuss the overall state of the team after the difficult 2-1 loss to Granada away. After a difficult defeat, two red cards, and being in 17th place, is it time to think about sacking Gracia? The boys debate

• Should we sack Gracia?
• Our performance in 2020 vs. 2019
• Mangala's negative impact
• Granada recap - two red cards, and VAR decision
  • Shocking Jason performance

In this episode, the boys discuss the loss against Sevilla, the ongoing injury crisis and why that is the worst thing possible for a thin Valencia squad. They also debate the future of Soler - is he the future midfielder we need, or did Jordán on Sevilla show us what we really need?

• Sevilla Match Recap
• Injury Update: Paulista
• Domenech quality
• Soler's future potential
• Top three <> bottom three
• Is Gracía too conservative?
• Who is worse, Lopetegui or Emery?

In this episode the boys dive deep into the 2-2 tie against Barcelona. This now seems Valencia now 13th with just 15 points after 14 games. There were many bright spots and eventful moments in this game which we go into at depth: 

• Very big missed chances
• The contentious PK against Gaya
• Musah, Gabriel, Guedes, Midfield performance
• Gabriel Paulista: unsung hero
• Gaya to Guedes to Maxi goals

The bat boys discuss the uninspiring performance against Eibar. The team failed to get momentum and look appear confident against a rough and defensive opponent. The boys discuss player performances, how Gameiro keeps missing chances, the Racic volley, and the upcoming match against Athletic Club. 

In this episode the bat boys discuss the 1-0 loss versus Atletico Madrid. We had a very difficult match against a very in-form Atletico Madrid. 

• Does Sam dislike Atletico or Sevilla more?
• Guedes's performance
• Where is Kang-In Lee?
• Domenech's great saves
• The strange substitutions
• Hugo Guillamon injury 

In this episode, the boys discuss the very interesting 2-2 draw versus Alaves. After a disastrous start, Valencia scores two to ultimately get 1 point.

The boys discuss:

1. The Horrible Start
2. Guillamon Blunder & Redemption
3. Gameiro's (not) Finish
4. Guedes?
5. Manu Manu Manu
6. Atletico Prediction

In this episodes, the boys take advantage of the international break to reflect on the current state of the team and where they see the lineup moving. They also have a surprise visit from long-time favorite and friend, Paco Polit, who as always, provides a "State of the Union" on Valencia CF.

• Current lineup potential and challenges
• Guedes, central midfielders, and center backs
• Kang-In Lee and his future
• Paco and the State of the Union
  • Current challenges with such a youthful squad
  • Potential sale of club by Peter Lim
  • What the fans can do to support the team

And a friendly reminder to wash your hands, stay social distances, and remain safe. 

In this episode the boys talk about the 4-1 win over Real Madrid. Enough said. That is all.

In this episode the boys recap the very intense match versus Getafe. The match resulted in a 2-2 tie with 2 red cards and 3 goals after 80 minutes. We discuss the latest lineups, including Wass-Soler midfield. Kang-In Lee getting his first start with Maxi, and Paulista and Guillamon in the back. ``

• Getafe Match Recap
• Kondogbia Transfer Confirmed
• The Latest Gracia Comments

In this episode, the boys recap the loss against Elche which leaves them just two points above relegation and three games without a win. They also discuss the continuing themes of Meriton management, Kondogbia's future, and the playing time of Kang-In Lee

Elche Match Recap

• Lineups without Maxi & KDB
• Conceding Two Goals first Half
• Wass - Soler Midfield Partnership
• 2nd half intensity
• Lato Goal & Kang-In Boost

Kondogbia's situation
Match Preview vs. Getafe

In this episode, the boys continue their coverage of the drama at Valencia. This time it's concerning the potential transfer of Kondogbia to Atletico Madrid, his dramatic instagram post, and his absence from training.

• Why La Liga and Atletico are to blame
• Kondogbia's instagram message to Murthy
• Valencia vs. Villareal Recap
• Preview and predictions for Elche

In this episode, the boys discuss the current Lim crisis. The latest rumors suggest Lim is preparing for a sale of the club. This comes after zero investments were made in the summer transfer window. During this time, Javi Gracia continues on as head coach, despite his desire to leave. 

• The worst days of Lim 
• Javi Gracia stays on 
• International Break: Maxi Scores and Gaya ties 
• Game against Villarreal 

In this episode, the bat boys go on a healthy rant over the lack of incoming transfers. We also discuss the outgoing youth transfers of Centelles and Escobar to Almeria. We discuss the future of Gracia, who joined Valencia under the condition that reinforcements would be made.

In this episode, the boys discuss the 1-1 tie versus recently promoted Huesca. The common themes continued to present themselves: a lack of personnel made defending and going forward challenging. Few real chances for either side until 2nd half. 

1. A slow start for Valencia
2. Lack of possession and attack
3. Defensive organization
4. Kang-In Lee substitute

The team prepares for three difficult games versus Real Sociedad, Betis, and Villarreal. 

In this episode, the we discuss the loss away at Celta Vigo. Many of the themes remain: a struggling defense, inexperience at midfield, and fleeting hope in our youth and going forwa

• A rough start and easy goal
• Half-time sub of Kang-In and Guedes
• A great Maxi Gomez goal
• VAR and poor refereeing

In this episode the boys discuss the growing firestorm that surrounds the actions of Anil Murthy. We also discuss the continuing challenge to sell players and bring in key reinforcements at Center Back, Right Back, and Center Midfield. We also discuss the bright spots in our youth performances and the Gracia's pivot to Kang-In Lee. 

* Anil Murthy's mess
* FC Cartagena friendly recap
* Transfer limbo
* Levante preview

In this episode the boys discuss the departure of Rodrigo Moreno to Leeds United. An initial purchase of the Lim era, Rodrigo helped to secure a Super Copa in 2019 and is now the latest. 

• Rodrigo sold to Leeds United
• Valencia 2-1 Villarreal friendly
• Promising Youngsters: Musa, Racic, and more
• Initial thoughts on Gracia

This episode is dedicated to Dani Parejo. To best pay tribute to our captain, we invite Cerebroné, a writer, contributor, Valencianista, and overall knowledgeable football fan. Cerbone discusses his recent article about Parejo's legacy at Valencia, here: https://breakingthelines.com/tribute/a-tribute-to-dani-parejo-a-valencia-legend-and-a-club-martyr/

We discuss: 

1. The ups and downs of Dani Parejo's career
2. What changed for Parejo?
3. What makes Parejo so special?
4. His legacy amongst the greats of Valencia?

The boys discuss the continued turbulence surrounding the departure of Parejo and Coquelin to Villareal. They also discuss the very controversial and bizarre letter from Anil Murthy to fans, causing even more unrest. Lot's to discuss!

* Anil Murthy's manifesto & armed bodyguard
* Mendes urged Lim to reinstate Alemany
* Parejo is actually gone
* Javi Gracia trains and Gaya stays on

The bat boys discuss the imminent departure of Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin to Villareal for a paltry 13 million Euros. Tim decides he's ready to pivot to other bat related topics. Sam is intent on sticking with Paella recipes. 

• The departure of Parejo and Coquelin to Villareal
• The peaceful protests against Meriton
• Parallels to the 16-17 transfer window

In this episode, the boys discuss their excitement for the signing of Javi Gracia. We also touch upon the Ferran Torres sale of $25M+.

• Why Javi Gracia is a good bet for Valencia CF
• Gracia's press conference
• Ferran's sale to Manchester City
• Alemany returns

In this episode the boys officially celebrate Hugo Guillamon's 3-year contract. We also discuss the ongoing search for a coach, Ferran Torres (again..), and the budget impacts of COVID and no European football next year. 

In this episode, the bat boys discuss rumors circulating the club regarding Lim, our next coach, and player transfers. They also cover some of the highlights of the last two matches, offer some hope for fans, and note Sam's dominance over Tim in pickle ball.

In this episode, the boys lament the return of Lim's ways. Voro returns for the nth time as the clubs caretaker for the remaining 6 games of the season. VCF needs to get results to salvage the season and claim European spots for next year. 

• We deserve a coach
• A delusional Lim and a sycophant Murthy
• Think of the players
• Voro's return against Athletic Club

The Bat Boys discuss the very tumultuous week that resulted in a lackluster performance and loss away at Eibar, dashing most hopes for a Champions League spot. 

1. Celades loses the locker room
2. Maxi Gomez head butt
3. Eibar Match Recap
4. What's next for this season?

In this episode, the boys discuss the 2-0 Osasuna victory. So much happened in this game to discuss!

* The VAR Crisis
* Rodrigo & Guedes goals
* The Great Guillamon 
* Eibar match preview
* Sam's love for Gab Marcotti

In this episode, the Bat Boys discuss the Levante Derby, the first match of the return of La Liga, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. 

* Diakhaby's 95th minute PK to give Levante a goal with 10 men
* Guillamon's debut
* Overall form of the team
* Current Champions League chances

In this episode, the boys discuss the grueling La Liga schedule that sees games played everyday, teams playing every 3 or 4 days, and what that means for Valencia's strategy.

• Can the team stay healthy?
• How does Celades rotate the lineup?
• Does he stick with a 4-4-2, given the healthy squad?

In this episode, the boys discuss the evolving plans to restart La Liga, including a schedule that would see a game played everyday, even Monday!

They also talk about the continuing story of Ferran, transfer rumors, and the prospect of Unai Emory returning to coach Valencia. 

In this episode, the boys discuss La Liga's plan to restart the league in June. They discuss the four phase plan to allow players to train and resume playing. They also discuss the latest transfer news which see rumors on Garay's future and Ferran Torres to Madrid.

In this episode the bat boys discuss the forward situation at Valencia and the best outcome from the summer transfer window. 

In this episode, the Bat Boys invite Paco Polit back to discuss the central midfielder situation. What is the current midfielder situation and what should Valencia do to supplement Dani Parejo? What do we do with Kang-in Lee, Kondogbia, Coquelin, and Carlos Soler?

Today the boy analyze the outside midfielders, including the elephant in the room, Ferran Torres and his pending extension.

They cover current transfer rumors and news, on Soler, Cheryshev, Vallejo, Ferran, Guedes, and potential incoming transfers. 

On today's episode, the boys discuss the silver linings of social distancing and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss the Valencia defenders, who they think should stay, who should go, and current transfer prospects. 

In this episode, the boys discuss the much needed win against Real Betis at home. 

• Paulista returns and it's a different defense
• Form of Guedes 
• A tricky start to the 2nd half
• Gameiro's beautiful strike
• Parejo's goal

The Bat Boys invite Nadir, Serie A aficionado, to delve deep into the Atalanta side before the Champions League first leg.

We discuss: 

• Why Sam has such a man crush on Nadir?
• Who is Gasperini, the playwright, the coach?
• Why has Atalanta been so successful this year?
• And what Valencia needs to do to get a win away in Italy

Sam and Tim mourn the results of the last two games against Granada and Getafe, seeing Valencia knocked out of Copa del Rey and sent back to 7th place in La Liga.

Below are just a few of the items we discuss on the podcas

* Lack of tactical adjustment from Celades at Getafe

* The alarming performance of Diakhaby

* The physical effects that begin to impact the team

* Lack of rotation against Granada, a message from Celades?

* Rodrigo and Parejo’s poor form

* Tim’s embarrassment of adjusting outlook to “positive” from “optimistically positive” just last episode

The boys discuss the whirlwind winter transfer market, the Celta Vigo win, and the new signing of Florenzi. Benvenuto!

In episode 14 of Bat Boys Valencia CF Podcast, we invite the venerable Paco Polit, Valencian journalist, writer, podcaster and teacher.

Amongst the sporting topics below Paco:

• insists the boys make 2020 the year of "being nice"
• why Mestalla is the greatest stadium in Spain, 
• the importance of his english coverage, and 
• plans this summer to hang in Valencia and watch Gaya & Parejo start for Spain

We discuss the win against Barcelona: 

• Celades and team's discipline and organized response
• Jose Gaya's performance
• The referee: Paulista's goal, Ferran's chance, VAR
• Maxi Gomez official arrival
• Gameiro and more rumor's of Rodrigo

Next we discuss the winter market and and the swirl that is Rodrigo

• Barcelona toys with Valencia with funding options
• Sam and Paco disagree over Gameiro 
• Why Valencia needs to be stronger in the market

Lastly, we do a special Lightning Round with Paco

You can find Paco and his many projects: 

• La Liga Lowdown - midweek podcast on various in-depth La Liga topics
• @pacopolitENG - Paco's english twitter
• @pacopolit - Paco's spanish twitter
• pacopolit.com - Paco's website containing all his projects and work

4-1 defeat at Mallorca, do we need Paco Alcacer more than ever? And up against Barcelona at Mestalla next week.

This week the Bat Boys discuss the Super Copa loss against Real Madrid, including the Domenech’s blunder from a corner. This leads them to discuss: Who should be the starting goalkeeper for Valencia?

Paco Alcacer is available from Dortmund for $40M, does Valencia need another forward to bolster its ranks? If not Alcacer, who?

And lastly, there are three youth players on loan, two of which are making waves in the Premiera Liga at Famaliciao. Their contracts are finished in 2020, are they talented enough to get their place in the first team?

In this episode, the boys discuss the Eibar game, if they can mark Maxi Gomez, who is Gasperini of Atalanta, and 10 things we’re exciting and hoping for in 2020.

The Bat Boys discuss the top 10 things they're grateful this year, from defensive support, to Gaya, to Alemany. They then discuss the Valladolid vs. Madrid games, and lastly continue the debate: Which is a bigger game, the Ajax vs. Copa del Rey?

In this edition, the Bat Boys invite the President of Penya Valencianista USA fan group, Armando Espinal. We discuss the Levante derby win over the weekend, the upcoming match against Ajax, and lastly the history of Penya USA as well as Armando's history as a Valencia fan. 

This week's edition of Amunt! A Valencia CF podcast has the Bat Boys discuss the midweek Champions League tie against Chelsea. They discuss the spirit of Los Che, given the circumstances this season. They also recap the Villareal win and preview the upcoming derby against Levante. Among the discussion are the importance of Gaya, Soler, and Ferran, the Saturday schedule for Valencia, Parejo as PK taker, Celades's gameday tactics, and upcoming special guest.

This week Amunt! invites Jesse Spears to provide a breakdown of Chelsea prior to the mid-week Champions League match. They also discuss the loss against Betis and the hope that our injured can return for a must need win.

This week Amunt! invites Thomas Floyd, former sports writer for the Washington Post Express to discuss David Villa's retirement and legacy in the MLS. They also discuss La Liga players in the MLS, including Carles Gil's impact on the New England Revolution. 

In this episode, Tim and Sam aka 'Bat Boys' provide a recap of the stellar week which results in two wins against Lille and Granada. They discuss the departure of Alemany and his legacy. Then they preview the match against Real Betis and the busy podcast schedule through the winter.

In this episode, Tim and Sam provide a recap of the latest run of games which find Valencia with several points among a slew of red cards. They discuss the vital upcoming Champions League match against Lille, and finally the major trends from this busy fixture of 6 games in 18 days. 

The 2nd episode of Amunt! sees Tim and Sam welcome back Alex Campolo to discuss the midweek Champions League tie against Lille. 

They also discuss the 1-1 tie against Atletico Madrid, and what's ahead of Valencia over the next week, which seems them facing Osasuna and Sevilla. 

Lastly, and maybe most importantly, they discuss Celades sideburns and haircut, the debacles of Ever Banega, and the merit of Monchi as a sporting director at Sevilla. 

Welcome to the very first episode of Amunt, A Valencia CF Podcast!  In this episode Tim and Sam invite Ligue 1 expert, Alex Compolo, to discuss upcoming Champions League match against Lille OSC. They also discuss the chaotic summer in which head coach Marcelino Garcia Toral and Director of Futbol Mateu Alemany both departed the club after disputes with owner Peter Lim. They give their opinions on the head coach, Albert Celades. They also discuss tough league matchup against Atletico Madrid.

In this episode, the boys discuss the Athletic Club tie. This marks the first return of Marcelino versus Valencia since his sacking in 2019. In what was a solid performance, we see an impressive Racic, a goal line save from Jaume, close Valencia chances, and a growing hope that relegation is moving farther, not closer away. 

• Team Performance
• Player Ratings
• Guedes: when will he improve?
• First touches of Cutrone
• The Jaume save and pass
• Paulista Goal from above

In episode #42, the boys discuss the Valencia match versus Levante which resulted in a win. The discuss the very rough start, the team's response, areas of concern, as well as the positives - the attacking, the youth, and the positive response to goals. 

They also discuss Javi Gracia's comments to the media regarding the transfer window. Whether those comments are worse than Marcelino's comments, which saw him fired. 

View Gracia's comments here: https://twitter.com/ValenciacfAR_En/status/1304562093266534401

• Levante Match Recap
• Yunus Moussa, Maxi, Kang-in and more
• Highlights and Lowlights
• Javi Gracia's Comments
• More!

This episode the boy discuss the disappointing loss against Real Madrid. Los Che started off with a strong first half performance only to lose control 2nd half to a sharp Real Madrid

• Strong first half team effort
• Guillamon and Mangala performances
• Rodrigo overturned goal
• 2nd half focus and lack of form
• Player ratings and more...

In this episode the boys discuss La Liga's options for concluding the season and the implications for Valencia.

In this bonus episode the bat boys invite Adam Crafton of The Athletic, who discusses his recent article, Four days with Valencia: backing youth, fighting for the Champions League and beating Barcelona.

Adam found himself in the executive lounge of Mestalla interviewing Anil Murthy. The boys dive deeper into: 

• How he found himself in Spain interviewing Anil Murthy
• What his perspective was on the tumultuous summer
• Adam's skepticism of the youth ambitions
• His viewpoint on 'coaches as mere functionaries'
• Is Parejo as charming in person as on TV?
• And, is this, at last, different Valencia?

How to follow Adam:

Twitter: Follow @AdamCrafton_
Follow his coverage at The Athletic

In this episode, Tim and Sam discuss the two losses this week, against Atalanta in Champions League and Real Sociedad in La Liga:

• Sam’s twitter war vs. the establishment
• Is Celades to blame for these results?
• Parejo speaks out
• Up next at Betis
• Special episode with Adam Crafton from The Athletic

In this week’s episode the Bat Boys react to Valencia’s win against Ajax to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champion’s League. Is this a bigger win than the Copa del Rey win last year? Would we be in this position with Marcelino? They discuss all of the details and angles of this win, how the team got here and where they are going.