Former Valencia captain David Albelda said he is concerned at the slow progress the club has been making in the transfer market since Singapore businessman Peter Lim agreed to become the owner.
Billionaire Lim reached an agreement with the club's bankers last week over the restructuring of a €320 million (Dh1.6 billion) debt, but he has not yet officially taken over.
Speaking at a promotional event, Albelda criticised Lim for not following through on his initial promises about signing big-name players, among them Colombia striker Jackson Martinez.
“There’s a big difference between words and action and many names have emerged, but we will see how many of them start the season,” he said.
Albelda, who spent his whole career at Valencia apart from two, year-long loan spells at Villarreal, also criticised Lim for failing to announce a plan to finish the club’s Nou Mestalla stadium, where building work ceased in 2009 because of financial problems.
“This situation should have come about long before,” he said. “Valencia still has a debt and an unfinished stadium. The club needed a global solution and it seems this still has not been achieved.”
Albelda's former teammate, goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, shared his concerns about the stadium, and he lent his support to coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, who is reportedly on the verge of being sacked.
“It is a terrible shame to come to Valencia and see the stadium in this condition. It’s not a good image for the club nor the city,” Canizares said.
“The stadium was an error and now we have to solve it, and these errors cannot be solved with hard work, but with money. I hope it’s finished soon.”
Canizares also criticised the club over reports that have emerged that Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo is set to replace Pizzi before the start of the Primera Liga season.
“He has proved he has the know-how to coach Valencia,” Canizares said of Pizzi, who took over the club last December.
“If the club have other ideas, then that’s OK, but they need to be honest.”
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
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if you go
The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles.
