14 September 2007, by Sean Gillen

Manuel Fernandes anxious to make his mark at Valencia

Midfielder happy with adaptation in Spain

Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes admits that he is anxious to start playing on a regular basis for new side Valencia.

The former Benfica man moved to the Mestalla at the end of August, but has been introduced slowly by manager Quique Sanchez Flores, starting both of Los Ches’ opening two games on the bench and being given just two minutes playing time so far.

“I respect my team-mates, but I always want to play,” said Fernandes. “I’ve wanted to play since the first day I arrived. It’s never easy to play for Valencia, but no player likes to have just the odd two minutes.”

Despite a slow start in Spain, Fernandes says his adaptation has been easy. The 21-year-old is also adamant that the lack of training with his new side, due to his recent participation with the Portugal under-21 side, will not affect his ability to play against Valladolid at the weekend.

“It is easy to adapt here,” he said. “Valencia is a great club with good people who have helped me enter the squad and adapt to it.

“I feel in condition to play on Saturday against Valladolid, in spite of having participated in the two last matches for my country’s under-21s.”

Fernandes also added his view on national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari’s recent controversy, after the Brazilian was criticised for attacking an opposition player at the end of Portugal’s match with Serbia on Wednesday.

“It’s a disagreeable situation. People can’t simply be punched like that. I don’t know what kind of sanction will happen.”

Related: Manuel Fernandes PortuGOAL profile