Pelle must listen to one voice on Roberto

By CandH blogger Allen Cummings

I’d be lying if I claimed to know exactly how much time Manuel Pellegrini spends with his players on the training ground. Chances are, however long it is, the majority of his time is spent working with the outfield players.

But as we all know only too well, the biggest cause for concern at the moment revolves around our stand-in goalkeeper Roberto. And the man putting him and his fellow ‘keepers through their paces on a daily basis is goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.

So the question is just how big an influence does Xavi have on the manager’s decision making for the No.1 spot? Valero has bags of experience, not only in the Premier League, but right across the European football scene.

He spent nine years as a member of Rafa Benitez backroom staff at clubs like Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid.

During that time he’s worked with the likes of Jerzy Dudek, Pepe Reina, Julio Cesar, Petr Cech and Keylor Navas – all big names from the goalkeeping fraternity. So Valero should know a decent ‘stopper’ when he sees one.

Coincidentally Xavi worked with David Martin when both were at Anfield – and may well have been a positive voice for the 33 year old when he was signed in the summer.

Maybe it’s a case of Roberto being a completely different player on the training ground to the one we have seen in the last few games.

But goalkeepers thrive on confidence, like any other player, and it’s clear Roberto’s is shot to pieces. We have to hope Xavi recognises that and speaks up.  Not only speaks, but makes sure his words are heard.

Goalkeeping legend Phil Parkes has already had his say on the issue. It’s Valero’s turn now. There are already some whispers of a change for Saturday with the axe finally ready to fall on the hapless Spaniard.

Valero must know Martin’s time has surely come!