VALDES ANALYSES MOURINHO ARRIVAL

Victor Valdes has provided his perspective of Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid. The former Chelsea, Inter and Porto coach has been at loggerheads with the press already, insisting that he is “no Harry Potter, capable of magic” in the wake of criticism at his side’s performance and his team selection in the 0-0 draw with Mallorca on Sunday evening.

Valdes, currently part of the Spain squad ahead of their clash with Liechtenstein, told Cadena COPE: “He will give you much to talk about, and will sell a lot of papers. The press are beginning to know him.

Valdes Makes Spain Squad

Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina and Andres Iniesta have all been recalled to the Spain squad by Vicente Del Bosque.

The trio missed the friendly with Mexico earlier in the month with injuries but are now set to feature in the Euro 2012 qualifier against Liechtenstein on 3rd September and a friendly against Argentina in Buenos Aires four days later.

Spain will be looking to retain the European Championship in two years time, and, if they do, it will mean three major international competitions in three attempts following their World Cup triumph this summer.

Fergie Picks Valdes

The Manchester United manager and 15 other elite European coaches, including Arsène Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, were asked by Uefa to vote for the club goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward and footballer of the year.

Lukic: Arsenal Need Valdes

Arsenal goalkeeping legend John Lukic believes that manager Arsene Wenger should have signed Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, Inter’s Julio Cesar or Victor Valdes from Barcelona, as the Gunners failed in their hunt to land a ‘keeper this summer.

The north London club went on a public pursuit of Fulham shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer during the transfer window – that is now closed – but returned fruitless in their efforts to replace Manuel Almunia.

“There’s an old saying that you don’t win the championship with a bad goalie,” said Lukic, according to The Mirror.