16 October 2007, by Sean Gillen

Valencia’s rotation policy criticised by ambitious Fernandes

Midfielder desperate to establish himself in starting XI

Valencia’s Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes says he is keen to return to full fitness, but hopes to avoid being part of the squad rotation policy at the Mestalla.

Fernandes has endured a slow start to his career in Spain following a summer move from Benfica. Manager Quique Sanchez Flores had been integrating the 21-year-old into the first team slowly, but a recent injury saw Fernandes miss the team’s last couple of matches.

“I need to play, to be fit to play and then everything will improve. When you play you are more confident and everything is easier,” said Fernandes in an interview with the Spanish press.

“My adaptation? Before the injury I was fine, I had been playing and settling into the team little by little. With regard to the city, I didn’t really know it. I only knew the club because it has played in many finals. For me, Valencia is an important club and can grow.”

When asked about his new team-mates, Fernandes said: “Vicente impressed me when I saw him on television, but up to now he’s been injured. With respect to the rest, I didn’t know (David) Silva when I arrived and he has made a good impression.”

For several years Valencia has been a team known for a heavy rotation policy, and current manager Flores is a keen believer in changing his side from match to match. However, Fernandes believes that the strategy can have a negative effect on players.

Rotation bad for players

“I believe it is better to always play,” he said. “If you play two matches and gain confidence then, for whatever reason, you don’t play, knowing that you haven’t done bad, it isn’t good because your progression is stopped. You can change one or two, but the key players must always play.”

Finally, Fernandes admits that the level of expectancy at his new club is in contrast to what he was used to. Despite some good recent results, including a five-match winning run in the league, the Valencia fans have been hugely critical of Flores and the side’s performances.

“Here it is a different type of pressure,” he admitted. “In Benfica if you win five matches everything else is pretty much forgotten.”

Fernandes should return to the Valencia squad for Saturday’s trip to Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor Stadium.

Related: Manuel Fernandes PortuGOAL profile