Luis Miguel Late to Training

This past Sunday, right-back Luis Miguel was 30 minutes late to a training session, despite promising management earlier in the month that he would be more professional. Miguel reportedly told manager Unai Emery that he was unclear as to the time training would take place and had set his alarm incorrectly. However, this would conflict with the other players all showing up on time and with accounts that Miguel was seen at 2AM at a popular Valencia nightclub the night before. As punishment, Emery made Miguel train in the gym with injured players instead of the rest of the team. When leaving practice Miguel was asked why he trained in the gym, he said he it was because of a sore hip, a claim the Valencia medical staff denies.

Miguel has always been a problem child for Valencia, struggling with fitness and injuries as well as a long history of discipline issues, including an alleged robbery and shooting of a van outside a nightclub. Miguel’s indiscipline has put him at odds with management and will likely result in him being sidelined for a time. This is great news for Antonio Barragan, who has played little so far this season. An injury to Bruno and Miguel likely to lose favor with the management once again, should guarantee Barragan a starting spot for future matches. Miguel’s contract is up this summer, and there is little chance Valencia will renew it in light of all his disciplinary issues.

By: David Wall
Edited: Matt Tobin