Valencia vs Atletico Madrid preview - Falcao set for bow

Posted Saturday, September 10, 2011 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Gregorio Manzano could unleash club record signing Radamel Falcao against Valencia this weekend as the Rojiblancos look for their first win and first goals of the new Primera Division season.

Falcao, who has cost Atletico an initial 40million euros, was unavailable for the season opener against Osasuna as his registration had not been completed in time following his switch from Porto.

Without the prolific Colombian, or departed star strikers Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan, Atletico failed to find a breakthrough against Osasuna as they were held to a disappointing goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon.

However, Manzano can now call on Falcao for the testing trip to the Mestalla, as well as another recent arrival - Brazil playmaker Diego, who joined Atletico on loan from Wolfsburg on transfer deadline day.

That will give Manzano some much-needed extra firepower but the former Sevilla coach, who took over from Quique Sanchez Flores this summer, is keen to keep expectations about the new additions realistic.

"The team is ready to compete against any opponent. Maybe from the point of view of the most recent signings there lacks a little bit of cohesion, which is logical," he said.

"There are players who barely know each other in the changing room, for example they've only recently met Falcao and Diego and (Arda) Turan.

"It takes time to adapt and understand each other on the pitch. I would like that the team is above any single player and against Valencia the team shows its personality."

Valencia started their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Racing Santander, which saw Unai Emery's men fight back from 3-1 down to claim the points.

Los Che striker Roberto Soldado had an eventful night, scoring twice in the final three minutes to complete his hat-trick, having also put through his own net to level things up early on.

Speaking about Atletico's loss of Aguero and Forlan, Valencia coach Emery said: "Atletico have changed things around but they have maintained their performances. As well as that, they have the advantage of having played a Europa League qualifying tie."