Valencia plunge into relegation zone to kick off 2024
Los Che find themselves in the drop zone after a disastrous defeat at Celta Vigo, with pressure mounting on Carlos Corberán amid fan protests.
Valencia have slipped back into the relegation zone to start the new year, with their latest defeat in Vigo capping a disastrous first half of the season that has fans up in arms.
Back in the danger zone
One year on and it’s déjà vu for Valencia, who find themselves in the drop zone after Girona’s victory at Mallorca and their own heavy defeat at Celta Vigo. Los Che will end the matchday in 18th position, sitting in the relegation places with a proper mountain to climb.
The numbers paint a grim picture of Valencia’s season so far:
- Just three wins all season
- A shocking 30 goals conceded (second-worst defensive record in La Liga, only Girona have shipped more with 34)
- Third time this season they’ve dropped into the relegation places
This time last year, when Carlos Corberán replaced Rubén Baraja, Valencia were also struggling in 19th position with 12 points. But despite the similar predicament, new CEO Ron Goulay, Meriton’s man in Valencia, doesn’t appear to be considering a change in the dugout just yet.
Tight at the bottom
The relegation battle is shaping up to be a proper dog’s dinner, with seven teams separated by just three points at the bottom of the table. Valencia had previously found themselves in 18th position after defeats to Villarreal and Real Madrid earlier in the season (matchdays 10 and 11).
Goulay spoke to DAZN before the Celta match, suggesting reinforcements might be on the way in January while somewhat dubiously describing the current squad as “strong”: “The market is open… we want to add certain players to this squad and we’re currently evaluating that.”
Fan fury boils over
The atmosphere around the club has turned proper nasty. Around 200 angry supporters confronted the players and manager at Manises Airport upon their return from Vigo yesterday. Amid chants regularly heard at Mestalla, fans shouted “Corberán, resign!” and “You don’t deserve this shirt!” as they vented their frustration.
The tension escalated to the point where objects were thrown, with one breaking a window on the team bus. The club later released a statement condemning the violent act, accompanied by an image showing the damaged vehicle.
With half a season remaining, Valencia face a serious battle to avoid the drop to the second division, and patience is wearing as thin as my wallet after Christmas.