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The madness that is the last day of the summer transfer window passed yesterday, without incident as far as Villarreal fans were concerned, and thank goodness for that. The only rumor of any sort I'd seen in the last week was a move for Albert Riera (Galatasaray) but Sr. Llaneza quickly squelched that.
Last January Villarreal was very active, bringing in Jony, Jeremy Perbet, and Javier Aquino when it was clear we needed reinforcements. I would expect we will keep some powder dry in case we need to do something in January. Of course our quick start is great, but Chechu Dorado reminded everyone Betis won its first four matches last year and then went 10 games without a win.
Another team that started quickly last year was Mallorca--11 points from their first 5 games, then no wins for 11 games. So we are taking things one step, and one match, at a time.
Let's all spare a thought for Hernán Sanz, Villarreal's fine and likeable press officer. He is going to be VERY busy over the next week dealing with all the media requests for the Madrid match on the 14th. Not only is it Madrid, but Gareth Bale will be making his debut for them, so doubtless many English correspondents will want to see how he does. Someone pointed out David Beckham's first match for Madrid was against us, too.
A reminder that Gio dos Santos and Javier Aquino will be in action for Mexico, first in the Azteca Stadium against Honduras on Sept.6, and then in Columbus, Ohio against the United States August 10. Alexsandar Pantic is playing for the Serbian U-21 side on the 5th and 9th, and Emin Alic (with the B team) is playing for the Montenegro U-21 team against Rumania on the tenth.
We don't have any Villarreal match this week (except for a friendly against Burriana on the Saturday) but the Copa del Rey swings into action tomorrow with 18 matches involving Segunda B or Tercera clubs.
Finally, a Javier Camuñas rumor! Las Palmas and Recreativo Huelva seem interested in him. Since he is not currently under contract, he can sign after the transfer window is up. The Segunda is in action this weekend, by the way. But who knows, maybe he will end up back at Osasuna, though it won't be for coach Mendilibar, who was fired today. Ex-Villarreal B coach and Pamplona native Javi Gracia, who took Almeria to promotion last year but was then canned, is the favorite to succeed him.
Enjoy the day! ENDAVANT VILLARREAL!!