Saturday 23 January 2016 07:43, UK
Valencia's problems run far deeper than manager Gary Neville's stuttering start, says Guillem Balague.
Neville's difficulties as Valencia coach continued as Los Che could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Las Palmas in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final on Thursday.
The cup has been Neville's safe haven so far, winning all three of his previous games in the competition while failing to deliver a win in six attempts in La Liga, where they lie 11th in the table.
But Balague feels the young squad is too scared of playing in front of their home fans, saying in his Twitter Q&A: "December 2. That is when he was announced as the new Valencia manager. One-and-a-half months. And Valencia fans and commentators are already wondering if he is the man for the job, as he has not won in the league.
"Interestingly, they don't all blame him. It is an unbalanced squad, too young, too scared of playing in front of their own fans, where, most importantly, everyone is under-performing.
"The only worry is if, in the search for answers, he starts looking to try things that leave his process behind, a process that is necessary to develop the team.
"He believes in what he is doing and is optimistic, at least in the press conferences, but I fear the team has not clicked and might not do so this season.
"In any case, the Valencia problems run much deeper than just what the coach decides."
Neville has repeatedly said he will put trust in his younger players rather than look to spend in the January transfer window, but is under pressure to deliver between now and May.
Balague believes the option to spend is now under consideration at the Mestalla, though the 16-point gap to fourth place seems too much to make up.
"He originally said he would not sign anybody in January, but that stance is being re-thought as new faces, for the right money, might refresh the side," Balague said.
"I fear it is all too late for this season. I think top 10 or a place between seventh and 11th, is the maximum they can expect. He is trying different things, from the psychological to the tactical and the shuffle of personnel.
"Where is the blame? The club? Neville? The young squad? Gary wants to answer that with a win, which will hush all the stories."
Valencia travel to eighth-placed Deportivo on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 5.15pm.
