The Bat Boys: A Valencia CF Podcast

#107 - Should Bordalás Go?

In this episodes the boys discuss whether the calls for Bordalas's departure are warranted, and if so, a wise move for the club. They also discuss whether Ferran Torres deserved to be jeered by the Valencia fans during the Barcelona match. Tim says no. Sam says yes. Fight!

#106 - A Penalty Controversy in Bilbao

In this episode the boys discuss the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao. 

#106 - A Penalty Controversy in Bilbao

In this episode the boys discuss the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao. 

#105 - Mid-Season Recap with Guest Jeremy Beren

In this episode, the Bat Boys invite back Jeremy Beren, host of the podcast,  Into The Calderon, to discuss the current state of La Liga teams, who is winning the transfer market (not Barca), and predictions for the top 4 of La Liga. 

#104 - Sevilla and Atletico Madrid Match Recaps

The boys discuss the 1-1 draw and tragic 3-2 defeat versus Atletico Madrid. 1 point of 6 in these difficult matches is disappointing... or is it? Join the debate: Were these two games promising performances or did Bordalas lose winnable games with his pressing and direct tactics. Also debate player performances, whether ATL or SEV is more annoying, and discuss transfer rumors. 

#103 - The Rods From God (And The Sevillian Drama)

The boys discuss the Copa Del Rey  Round of 32 win against Atletico Baleares. They also discuss the drama that unfolded in the Sevilla - Real Betis derby, in which Juan Jordan received a "rod from god". They also discuss the current transfer market situation, the bright future for Mosquera, and the upcoming match against Sevilla!

#102 - Ouch: Four Conceded In Madrid

In this episode the boys try to remain positive and discuss Sam's homemade Reuben sandwiches instead of recapping a more sobering defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. A different lineup with Yunus Musah starting and Guillamon back in midfield wasn't enough to counter an absent Soler and an in-form Real Madrid. 

#101 - The 21/22 Mid-Season Report Card

In this episode, the boys look back on the first half of 21/22 and discuss the big takeaways including the lows and highs from the team under Bordalas. They turn their attention to the first portion of the next half of the season, including the Real Madrid match. 

#100 - Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad and a recap of the Levante win, hopes to close the cap on European spots and other news around the league. 

#99 - Four Points From Salvation

In this episode, the boys discuss the win against Elche, which sees Valencia CF just four points from European spots. 

#98 - A Win In Galicia

The boys break down the away game against Celta Viga, where Valencia came away with three points in a game of errors and gifts. Goals by Hugo Duro and Maxi continue to make our forward line a question mark meanwhile our injuries saw new faces, which proved to be just enough to secure a win and climb back to 8th place. 

#97 - Los Che Head to Galicia

In this episode, the boys discuss the current state of the season after the previous 4 difficult games, a Copa del Rey start, and the Rayo Vallecano match. They also discuss the upcoming matches and hopes to see from the rest of the first half of the season. 

#96 - The Battle at Anoeta

In this episode the boys discuss the game away against Real Sociedad, which resulted in a hard fought 1-1 draw with 12 cards and just 5 shots on goal. 

#95 - Bordalás Makes Changes Against Villarreal

In this episode, the boys mostly rant about how good it feels to have won against Villarreal, in a turnaround performance resulting in a clean sheet, organized defending, and an outstanding goal from Guillamon. 

#94 - Guest Cerebroné: What's Going Wrong at Valencia?

In this episode, Tim and Cerebrone recap the first 8 games of the season.  Cerebrone lays down his thoughts on all things tactics, performance, results, and highlights from this season as well as his take on Bordalas's performance:  * Rating Bordalas: A poor eye for talent * Forcing the 4-4-2 * Foulquier: why? * Big mistakes: look to the coach * Transfers: signings for a poor club? * The drumming at Real Betis * Hopes for the remainder of the fall: not much

#93 - The Mallorca Tie: A Season Rescued?

In this episode, the boys recount the Mallorca match which saw an abysmal first half followed by a 2 goal extra time recovery, which very well may mark a key psychological moment in this La Liga campaign.  Abysmal first half Racic, Diakhaby, and Maxi half-time subs Kang-In Lee's genius and folly Helder Costa's breakout game Does Gaya's goal save the season? Betis match preview

#92 - Barcelona Match Recap

The boys recap the Barcelona match, which saw an even duel punctuated by an amazing Gaya goal, a VAR controversy, a wide open defender, and an Ansu Fati strike. What to make of this match? What happens to Bordalas, should this streak continue?

#91 - Season Check-in with Paco Polit

In this episode, Paco Polit joins Tim to check-in on the current progress of the season. We discuss the rise and fall of Valencia which results in Los Che sitting in 8th place after capturing 1st after 4 games. We hit on every aspect of the game including: Has the the team met Paco's expectations Bordalas's rating: 10 bats out of 10? Player Performances How the transfers have performed Sevilla and Cadiz low moments Economic State of Valencia Levante: will they make it

#90 - Let's Celebrate When Cádiz Is Relegated

In this episode, the boys discuss the Cadiz match and other news surrounding Valencia.  - Cadiz Match Recap - Horrible fan reaction to Diakhaby - First Half: bad or not bad? - Player performances - Correia extension - VCF sale? - Lim's salary cap infusion - Barcelona Preview

#89 - End Of An Illusion

In this episode we discuss how Los Che ended up in 8th place, after being top of the league. Was this the expected Bordalas slump? Are just injuries to blame? How oh how did it come to this.. Just 1 point from 9.  Sevilla - The horrible start - Bordalas's comments - Mama's mistakes... - Bordala to blame? - Why Jason, why? Athletic Club Recap - An even first half - Hugo Duro - a real player for us? - Why did Jason play again? - Maxi Gomez - is he unsubbable? - The indomitable Hugo Guillamon

#88 - The Madrid Loss Silver Lining

In this episode, the Bat Boys discuss the Real Madrid loss and why there are more positives to take away from this game than negatives. 

#87 - Osasuna Match Recap

#86 - La Liga Transfer Window, Incoming VCF Players, and Osasuna Recap

In this episode, the boys discuss the end of the La Liga Transfer window, including the winners of losers of this market. They also discuss the last few VCF signings, Helder Costa, Hugo Duro, and Dmitri Foulquier. The also debate on the merits of keeping or selling Soler or Gaya if the price is right and the Osasuna matchup. 

#85 - Alaves, Alderete, and the Winning Transfer Window

In this episode, the boys discuss the very strange transfer window that has seen big signings on free transfers across leagues. They also discuss the Valencia transfer window including Alerete, Foulquier, and Marcos Andre; and departing Kang-In Lee.  They also discuss the excellent 3-0 win over Alaves, which results in 7 points, tied for 1st place. And lastly, they chat about the latest games in La Liga, including the dramatic finish to the Villarreal match. 

#84 - Granada Recap, Marcos Andre, Player Performance, and more....

In this episode, the Bat Boys discuss the Granada game, which saw Los Che tie 1-1. This equates to 4 points after two games for the new Bordalas era. They discuss the game, player performances, Maxi Gomez, Racic and lineups. The boys also discuss the new arrival of Marcos Andre from Valladolid. 

#83 - The Bordalas Effect: Match 1 Recap

In this episode, the bat boys discuss Matchweek 1, which saw Valencia win 1-0 against Getafe. Los Che won despite going to 10 men in the first minute after a hard challenge by Hugo Guillamon.  We discuss:  The Bordalas Effect and evading disaster Player performance: Guedes, Alderete, Mama, Maxi, and more... Sobrino!? Transfer Talk: Do we need a #6? Predictions for Granada

#82 - Cerebróne Part 2: State of La Liga, Super Copa, Kang In and more....

In part 2 of the podcast, Cerebróne discusses the current state of La Liga in the wake of a departing Messi, Ramos, Varane, and Bryan Gil.  What La Liga can do to market the value of Spanish clubs to a global audience. What they are doing wrong and why Premier League does it better.  Predictions for Super Copa and rapid fire questions from Twitter. 

#81 - Cerebróne Pt 1: Valencia 21/22 Season Preview

In part 1 of this discussion, Tim and Cerebróne discuss  the current Valencia squad and provide a preview of the upcoming season. We dive into the current players, Bordalas, potential signings, key players, and predictions for what's to come. In part 2, we'll shift gears into the future of La Liga, what Messi's departure means, what Premier League does well, and UEFA Super Cup predictions. 

#80 - Paco Polit On the State Of Valencia in 2021/2022

Paco Polit returns to the show to provide an on-the-ground update of the state of Valencia CF heading into the 2021/2022 season.  We discuss: The current transfer situation: no signings? Outgoing talk: guedes, wass, kang-in, cillessen, and more Bordalas: why he took the job and his potential for success, recent games Meriton update: more of the same, stadium delays, and more VCF kits: the club's spirit still remains Conclusion: why do stay hopeful

#79 - Valencia Preseason: Matches, Bordalas, Transfers, and Season preview...

In this episode we discuss the Euro finals and pat our ourselves on the back in our Italy prediction. But now we turn back to Valencia football. We discuss Bordalas, the transfer market situation, our preseason wins, and what's to come with just 21 days left until La Liga restarts. 

#78 - Guest Nadir Ismayil on Italy's Euro Performance

In this episode, the boys invite back to the podcast Nadir Ismayil, the Italian correspondent to discuss the Italian squad, their performance thus far, and prospects against England in the final.  The boys say goodbye to Wass and Gaya  Spain versus Italy recap Italian player highlights, Chiesa anyone? Italy's strategy versus England Bat Boys predictions

#77 - 2020 Euros Update w/ Guest Kyle "The Madrileno"

Kyle "The Spaniard" joins the podcast to discuss the Euros, his take on Spain's performance, and his thoughts on Valencia CF.  Predictions for Euro Winners Spains performance vs. Switzerland Absence of Madrid Players on Spain Squad

#76 - Euro 2020 Knockout Stages

In this episode the Boys discuss the major updates from the Euro 2020 knockout stages, which saw wins from Denmark, Italy, and Czech Republic. They check back in on their predictions from the group stages, and provide predictions for the remaining knockout stages. Highlights include:  Italy's form and Chiesa Denmark's potential semi-final run Spain's dark horse status and potential

#75 - The Euro Group Stage Update

In this episode, the boys discuss the results from the first Group Stage matches and check-in with the VCF players playing in national tournaments Summary:  Germany, France, Portugal, Belgium Wass's performance with Denmark Spain has a chance?  The overrated English Guedes, Cheryshev, Gaya Maxi Gomez for Uruguay?

#74 - The Euros 2020 Preview

In this episode the boys discuss the Euros and their predictions for the winner and top 5 finishes. They also discuss the Valencia players participating - Gaya, Guedes, and Daniel Wass. 

#73 - CL Final Recap, Bordalas, Murthy Interview, and more....

In this episode, the boys discussed the champions league final, Ancelotti returns to Madrid, Euros 2021 preview, and news from Valencia:  * Parejo Bonus * Anil Murthy's Interview * Transfer Rumors * Boradalas Preview

#72 - Champions League Final, Bordalas, Villarreal, Yunus w/ Jesse Spears

We invite our good friend Jesse Spears back to the podcast to discuss the Champions League final, his take on Yunus Musah and the US National Team, The Bordalas Era, and of course the bittersweet Villarreal Europa League title. 

#71 - The Valladolid Win

In this episode, the boys celebrate the 3-0 win against Valladolid. They discuss the new formation, which included Kang-In Lee, a 3-5-2 with Guillamon, and Maxi's goals.  * Valladolid Win * 3-4-2-1 * Peter Lim Article * Demonstrations * La Liga Race

#71 - The Valladolid Win

In this episode, the boys celebrate the 3-0 win against Valladolid. They discuss the new formation, which included Kang-In Lee, a 3-5-2 with Guillamon, and Maxi's goals.  * Valladolid Win * 3-4-2-1 * Peter Lim Article * Demonstrations * La Liga Race

#70 - Gracia Out, Barca Loss, and Relegation Fears

In this episode, the boys discuss the recent Barcelona loss, the firing of Javi Gracia, and the unfortunate position we find ourselves in: facing relegation.

#69 - Cerebrone's Season Summary

In this episode, Cerebrone (@Cerebrone) joins us to summarize the season in his own words.  1. Ligue 1: his other passion 2. His assessment on Gracia 3. Kang-In Lee 4. Soler: what do we do with him? 5. Yunus Musah ...and more! 

#68 - The Super League with Alex Campolo

In this episode we invite our friend Alex Campolo (@alexcampolo) back to the show to discuss the controversial Super League. Alex helps us explain: What is the Super League? Why is it so controversial? Why would these clubs propose a league? What is UEFA really and how did we get here? Who will exit last? What's next for these clubs? Alex updates us on Ligue 1

#67 - Gracia Has Lost The Fans

In this episode, the boys discuss the 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad. They cover the match highlights including the situation with Javi Gracia, the future of Carlos Soler, the importance of Racic, the challenge facing Maxi Gomez, and more....

#66 - We Support Diakhaby

In this episode, the boys lament the unfortunate incident this weekend against Cadiz. Juan Cala is purported to say a racist slur towards Diahkaby, which sparked a series of unfortunate events.  We discuss the:  1. Great then poor response from Valencia 2. La Liga's poor history of handling racism in the league 3. Juan Cala's response to the accusations 4. News from La Liga and Champions League

#65 - Armando Espinal On The 2021 Season

In this episode we are joined again by Armando Espinal, President and Co-Founder of the Penya Valencianista USA. On this episode, we catch up with Armando and hear his take on the current season, his jersey collection, and more:  1. How many jerseys does Armando own? 2. Armandos take on current players 3. Is Soler our guy? 4. Is Gracia underperforming? 5. Armando's take on the Meriton situation 6. What Armando thinks VCF get wrong Follow the VCF Penya USA at @vcfUS Follow Armando on Instag...

#64 - A Win Against Granada

In this episode the boys discuss the win over Granada 2-1. They deep dive into the highlights of the match, which include:  Amazing performance by Gaya, Racic, and Diakhaby What's up with Soler? 1st half dominance Alex Blanco "King" of the Match 2nd Half struggles Substitutes, tactics, Soler, and more.

#63 - Choose Your Fantasy

In this episode the boys discuss the Levante loss, the news of Anil Murthy leaving the club, the pros and cons of Prince of Johor, Yunus Musah joining the US National Team, the frustrating form of Guedes, and the predictions for Granada

#62 - The Villarreal Comeback

In this episode the boys discuss the swirling news of Prince of Johor purchasing Valencia, the incredible match against Vilarreal which saw a last minute comeback for a desperate 3 points. We also discuss Alemany's new position on the leadership team under Laporta at Barcelona. Then we deep dive into our favorite moments from the match, the key themes from win, who played well and who didn't, and more. 

#61 - The Tears of Paulista

In this episode the boys discuss the 3-0 loss at the hands of Geafe. They also discuss continuing rumors on the sale of Valencia. Tim didn't watch this week's game because he couldn't bear to watch the poor result and the ultimate crying of Paulista. They discuss the future of Gracia and whether sacking him would help the club escape relegation in 2021. Lastly, they discuss the latest news surrounding the construction of the Nou Mestalla. 

#60 - Kang-In Lee Show

In this episode, the boys discuss the win over Celta Vigo, which saw an outstanding performance from Kang-In Lee. They discuss the overall player performances, question why Lee hasn't been playing, whether Gracia should continue next season, the midfield performances, and the goals from Manu Vallejo and Kevin Gameiro. Oh, and all the haircuts.