Lack of starpower could easily topple Valencia in Primera Liga

Serbian manager Miroslav Dukic, who arrived from Valladolid, has changed Valencia's style of play to a passing game, writes Andy Mitten.

Valencia's new Serbian manager, Miroslav Dukic, who arrived from Valladolid, has changed their style of play to a passing game. Manuel Queimadelos Alonso / Getty Images

Valencia could be compared in the past to the popular game Jenga. No matter how many blocks were taken out, they stayed upright. Valencia sold David Villa, Juan Mata, David Silva and they still finished third in the Spanish Primera Liga for three consecutive seasons, 2009-12.

Given the power of the big two, third in Spain is like winning the title. Valencia's on-the-field achievements were more remarkable because of the off-field chaos at the club which twice saw them come close to being liquidated.

They had to sell to survive and they did that. Uefa Champions League qualification and fees from selling stars helped keep their annual wage bill above €100 million (Dh490.1m), the fourth highest in Spain.

Valencia's football was direct, not for the puritans and incurred criticism from their own fans, but it was effective.

That has changed. The new Serbian manager, Miroslav Dukic, who arrived from Valladolid, has changed their style of play to a passing game.

It may take time. Valencia were dreadful at Espanyol on Saturday and lost 3-1.

After the match, Dukic said: "I can't see any stars here." He's right. He already has questioned his players' attitude, which did not go down well in the dressing room.

Has the sale of Roberto Soldado and the lack of Champions League football this season been the crucial Jenga blocks which cause the tower to fall? Dukic has been in charge for only two matches, yet the pressure is already intense.

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