Villarreal news, week of November 1 - updated Nov 1st

Here's this week's place to discuss Villarreal news. Let's start with the bad news from our 2-0 win, a knee injury to our outstanding defender Olof Mellberg. He'll miss three weeks with strained right knee ligaments:

It seems like we are very luck to have Mellberg play for us. Apparently he was very close to signing with Toronto FC of MLS

Toronto FC had a disastrous season and finished last in the Easter Conference of MLS. According to the article they have even agreed on the wages for the player only for the MLS league officials to nix the deal citing vague reasons. Whatever it is, MLS and/or Toronto FC's loss is our gain! Wishing Olof a quick and speedy recovery.

Informe Robinson - La nueva vida de Santi Cazorla - The widely popular and quality "Informe Robinson" series hosted by former player Michael Robinson of CANAL+ has a little gem on Santi. The video is about how Santi is adapting to his new surroundings at Arsenal in London. The video is mostly in Spanish but it is easy to follow even if you dont understand Spanish. The video also features ex-groguet Robert Pires and Santi's teammate at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta.

Olof Mellberg sufre una distensión de ligamentos en su rodilla derecha - Villarreal C.F.

Truyols came on to replace him on the day, and perhaps will take his place in the starting lineup against Numancia. As was noted in the match discussion thread, Villarreal performed much better but still has more to do, a theme that is echoed by this journalist:

El Madrigal vuelve a sonreír - Villarreal C.F.

If you listened to our most recent podcast with Arch Bell, you remember we talked about the possibility the Submarine would be active in the winter transfer market, especially with Uche heading to the African Nations' Cup early next year. There is an EPM interview with Sr. Velazquez today in which he refers to this possibility:

Velázquez: 'Tenemos que tener controlado el mercado' - Deportes - El Periódico Mediterraneo

And, EPM journalist Lizarraga agrees reinforcement are needed. He also refers to the burden of "Garriditis"--as soon as something goes wrong, the specter of Garrido is raised and everyone, including the club leadership, starts to worry. But Lizarraga is confident Sr. Velazquez is his own man, and has "knowledge, intelligence, and is an honest guy".

‘Garriditis’ y ¿fichajes? en el Villarreal - Deportes - El Periódico Mediterraneo

I had forgotten that the last time we were relegated, Joaquin Caparrós ended up being the scapegoat and losing his job. Well, it was awhile ago....