Valencia making merry under Emery

Serious point
A momentary lapse in concentration from the 36-year-old former UD Almería boss, whom Valencia appointed in May, it drew laughter and applause from a press pack that has had little to smile about while covering the 2004 UEFA Cup and Spanish Liga winners in recent times. "I was thinking, 'What the hell were we talking about?'" Emery added. "What I wanted to say was that the most important thing for us on Thursday is not to concede any goals." Valencia have shipped just two in an unbeaten start to the league season featuring wins against RCD Mallorca and CA Osasuna and a draw with Almería. Three more points tonight would make them joint leaders.

Unfulfilled promise
A year has proved to be a very long time on Spain's east coast. Three managers attempted to steer Los Che through stormy waters last season with Quique Sánchez Flores initially making way for Ronald Koeman at the helm. Despite the Dutchman leading the team to a Copa del Rey final victory over Getafe CF – and attendant UEFA Cup qualification – he eventually stepped down with Salvador 'Voro' González then overseeing a tenth-placed Liga finish.

Togetherness sought
A resulting exodus of players from the Mestalla never materialised, however, with Emery managing to keep hold of Spain's prized UEFA EURO 2008™-winning assets David Villa and David Silva. And despite an injury to Silva, Valencia are flourishing, their impressive opening to the campaign being capped by a 1-0 UEFA Cup first round first-leg win at CS Marítimo on Emery's European bow. "There wasn't much unity in the camp when I got here, and divisions like that can hurt a team," the former Real Sociedad de Fútbol midfielder said. "I'm trying to heal those divisions and I feel the team are on the right path now."

Footballing family
Hailed as an intuitive young coach with Lorca Deportivo CF where he won promotion to the second division in 2004/05, Emery was hired by Almería in 2006 and in two seasons there earned promotion and then an eighth placed top-flight finish The grandson of famed goalkeeper Pajarito Emery is now seeking to instil his notable organisational skills at Valencia. "I know I'm labelled as inexperienced but I'm not worried about that as it's all I've ever known," Valencia's youngest-ever coach said. "I don't feel in any way unskilled at what I'm doing. When I was a player, I always thought as a coach."