Los Coladeros, Episode 8: La Vida Loca

< Episode 7

The players are mingling together nicely on the long drive to Valencia. Introducing a smattering of international experience to the squad has worked wonders, with Ipoua, Diabaté and, to a lesser extent, Trustfull regaling the younger lads with tales of representing their countries. Sestelo, Adolfo and Dunwell are wide-eyed and inspired. Marius Condom isn’t listening. Probably for the best.

Valencia B are doing better than their fellow Bs from Mallorca, but just barely. 19th in the table despite boasting the talents of Xisco and David Navarro, who are surely future first teamers, it’s been a disappointing season for Los Poco Ches that I have a feeling we’re about to make worse.

I can’t wait to see my new players in the famous silver and blue, and line the team up accordingly. There are full debuts for Sjöberg, Diabaté, Nilsson and Trustfull, who replace Antonio, Cárcaba, Gustan and Zevenbergen respectively — I’m sure you’ll agree, those are all significant upgrades. My bench is also packed with new faces, as the elusive Karl Ready takes up his spot, plus young William Leandersson has more about him than both Gustan and Tarachalski, so he also gets a seat in el banco. Plus, the experience of Samuel Ipoua, as backup to Michael Dunwell, will be vital in nicking late winners as we head towards May.