Baraja reflects on his time at Valencia CF and considers the possibility of returning one day as coach

Rubén Baraja was a stalwart in central midfield for Valencia CF during ten seasons. He was a complete player, strong in the tackle, able to get forward and score goals, and was an integral part of the team during a golden spell in the club’s history.

Born in Valladolid, north of Madrid, he played for his home town club and then Atletico Madrid before signing for the blanquinegros in 2000.

After retiring at the end of the 2009-10 season and receiving a standing ovation in his final match at Mestalla against Tenerife, he started a career in coaching and is currently in charge of second division Elche CF.

You joined Valencia CF from Atlético Madrid?

“I remember feeling I had a lot of responsibility as the club had paid 2,000 million pesetas (14 millions euros) for my buy-out clause, it was the most expensive signing in the history of the club and I knew that I had to prove myself worthy of this money from the first day.”

Who was your idol when you were starting out as a player?

“I had several but if I had to choose one then I would say Schuster because he played in midfield, where I liked and he was a special player.”

What memories do you have of making your debut at Mestalla?

“I remember the responsibility on my shoulders. To play for Valencia is always demanding and I remember the atmosphere, there was a good mood with Valencia on a good run. They had just played a Champions League final and went on to play another the next year. We were a very ambitious side.”

What did it feel like to win the 2002 La Liga?

“That league was special as it was 30 years since Valencia had won the championship and it was a great moment. Nobody thought that we would be able to keep going to the end and so to do it and make happy the fans was unforgettable.”

During your time at Valencia which player stood out most for you?

“If I had to choose one player then it would be David Villa. On a footballing level he was the most complete and the most determined, although it is true that he played for Valencia during a time when the most important was the group.”

The football landscape has changed since you started at Valencia, who were the main rivals then?

“I loved Italian football and at that time they were very strong, very technical, worked hard and had coaches that demanded this. Also I liked the Premiership and the way that football is played and still is, which is very special. Still, I think at that time we were a leading force for three or four years and I will remember that. To go and take on teams at for example at Camp Nou and Bernabeu has a lot of merit.”

After leaving Valencia you preferred to retire rather than play for another team?

“It was magical and unrepeatable, it means a lot to me because not all players in the history of Valencia have had a goodbye like that. I was 35 and I had offers to continue but my experience in the last few days made me reflect about my future and I wasn’t motivated to play for another team. Looking back I think I made the right decision by retiring at a club like Valencia.”

Did you always plan to become a coach?

“When you finish playing the most difficult aspect is deciding what you want to do afterwards. I took my time and made my decision knowing that I would need to do study and then of course make the right choices for my career.”

Do you see yourself coaching Valencia CF one day?

“You never know. I work in order to improve and grow. Having been ten years as a player and feeling loved by the fans like I do, then you always have in mind that you could have a chance but also I think that it is something that you earn with time. I think you need to have experience and that is what I am trying to gather. If a club like Valencia gives you a chance then you want to have sufficient preparation so as not to let anyone down and achieve your expectations.”