Rufete: “Players need to be versatile in the modern game”

What’s your most lucid memory of these meetings between Valencia and Real Madrid at Mestalla?

[Miguel Ángel] Angulo’s goal. (On the opening day of the 2001/02 season).

That was the match in which Zidane made his Madrid debut?

Yes. It was also my first game with Valencia (laughs). It was a massive win for us. Even after beating Madrid that day, we could never have imagined that we would go on and win the league.

That Valencia side beat the ‘galácticos’ twice…

There was a lot of merit in that. That was a great Madrid side – one which had spectacular talent and was built with a lot of money. But with hard work and organization, Valencia were able to get the better of them.

Is that the kind of Valencia side you are hoping to recreate as General Manager?

You have to look back and study the history of this club to see who are the names which made this a great club. I’m talking about the likes of [Roberto Fábian] Ayala, [Rubén] Baraja, Curro [Torres], Angulo… Those of us who are working at the club are looking to find that DNA, players who identify with Valencia.

Is that why your first signing was [Nicolás] Otamendi?

If there was one plaer who I idendified with more than anyone else, it would be Ayala. When I brought [Joan] Salvans and Fábian in to form part of the backroom staff I told them: “Otamendi reminds me of you, he’s the type of player we need”. And we went ahead with the transfer. Valencia has always been a club which is built from the back.

In January last year you began planning a series of sweeping changes – Mathieu and Bernat were sold over the summer, Negredo arrived and 2015 has started with the signing of Enzo Pérez for 25 million…

Everything is changing very quickly at Valencia. The good thing is that we are adapting well, bearing in mind the resources we have. The new players who have come in have fitted into the vacancies left by those who were sold. Having Mr Lim is a real privilege. He is the first who wants to see Valencia grow.

Are you worried that Valencia might be seen as ‘New money’ club after signings like Enzo’s?

No. Neither Valencia nor Mr Lim are disposed to pay up the first price mentioned whenever we enter negotiations. We already have 80 per cent of the squad for next season. We have a young and versatile squad. In football, it’s projects like this which are required – not decisions made out of haste.

What will Enzo Pérez bring to the side?

He’s a leader, he is naturally competitive and can adapt to various different systems. That is what the modern game is all about – players now need to be able to switch into other positions, whilst maintaining their identity.

Is it true that Madrid were keen of recovering Negredo when you called him?

Yes. But he wanted to feel like an important member of the squad which is why he elected to come here. His enthusiasm to come here prompted us to make a real effort to get him. He turned down more lucrative offers to join.

Will you be renewing Paco Alácer’s contract?

I don’t envisage any problems. Alácer is our ‘Paquito’.

Valencia’s triumph at the Liga Promises of Arona tournament was celebrated as though it was like winning the Champions League final…

Valencia isn’t just about 22 professional players. Valencia is everything, and the youngsters’ triumph is a club triumph.

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