Joaquín Played Like He Was Worth €30

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Ronald Koeman - Valencia (Marca)

The 45-year-old coach, who was sacked by the Spanish club just under a month ago, opened his heart in an interview with Het Gesprek TV station last night and he honestly said that taking over at the Ches was not a good idea after all. But…  

“I have regretted it, but I would blame myself if I hadn’t done it,” said the former Vitesse, Ajax and Benfica boss, who left the Eredivisie champions on October 31 last year. He did guide Valencia to the Copa del Rey, but their disappointing showings in the European Champions League and the Primera División finally led up to his dismissal.  

Under the blade

However, Koeman does not regret leaving PSV Eindhoven. “They already had the blade ready for me. Martin Jol would succeed me and they also cashed in on my departure. Therefore [managing director] Jan Reker did not exactly find himself with his back to the wall.”  

The former international sweeper said that he plans to rest for a season. “It’s something I really need. I’ve been a coach for a decade now and this is the time for me to distance myself. And then I will focus on improving myself before taking the next step.”  

On Barcelona’s list?

And Koeman stressed that moving to Valencia may have shut two bigger doors in front of him. “If I had remained with PSV, I would have perhaps become the Dutch boss or the coach of Barcelona. Yes, I know that my name was on their lists.”  

Thirty euros

A number of his former players blamed him for Valencia’s dismal performances. But Koeman hit back. “The strange thing was that the players whom I no longer used [José Santi Cañizares, David Albelda and Miguel Ángel Angulo] continued to train with the rest of the squad and make their way into the team’s dressing rooms. They created a negative environment with the support of others, such as Joaquín. Those footballers cost 30 million each, but had an output of 30 euros.”  

Panos Bletsos, Goal.com