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Valencia build wall to keep Dutch coach Koeman happy

Valencia are building a wall around their training ground at Paterna to keep out prying eyes after Ronald Koeman complained he needed more privacy when coaching the team, Spanish media reported yesterday.

"It seems every day I do something bad," the Dutchman was quoted as saying. "But if I get out of the car or come out of the changing room I've got eight cameras in my face."

"The press are almost coming into the changing room," he said.

Valencia have been engulfed in controversy since Koeman sidelined club stalwarts David Albelda, Santiago Canizares and Miguel Angel Angulo soon after taking charge in November.

Koeman's side are seventh in the Primera Liga and are without a victory in seven league matches.

Spain coach Luis Aragones said Albelda would struggle to make his Euro 2008 squad unless he started playing again soon.

"There isn't much time left in the case of Albelda," Aragones told Spanish media. "If he doesn't start playing regularly it will be difficult for him to make the European Championship."

Koeman has said the midfielder, who has won 50 caps for Spain, will not play for the club again this season.

Meanwhile the club signed signed Dutch international midfielder Hedwiges Maduro from Ajax on Friday on a four and a half year contract.

"I am delighted to have signed for a big club like Valencia," the 22-year-old told the club's Web site (www.valenciacf.es).

"It has helped that [coach Ronald] Koeman is here but above all it's about the greatness of the club," he said.

Maduro, who can also play in the center of defense, came through the youth ranks when Koeman was in charge at Ajax.

He is Valencia's second signing during this month's transfer window, following Argentine midfielder Ever Banega.

Spanish media reported that Maduro would cost the club a fee of around 2 million euros (US$2.93 million).

Maduro is viewed as a replacement for Albelda and Manuel Fernandes, who has joined English Premier League side Everton on loan.
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