Valencia began preparations for a new season with a clear aim: to sidestep the durability issues that troubled them last year. The campaign proved to be demanding for the Valencia project, which also faced scrutiny over a high-profile property in the capital of the Turia. Relegation fears were averted under Rubén Baraja, though mathematically safe only on the final day. The former Valladolid player has been entrusted with guiding the squad into the upcoming campaign, yet the pre-season program is light on concrete news, and several decisions remain before the transfer window closes.
Valencia 2023 pre-season: when does it start, friendlies, signings, squad, travel and venues
Pre-season Valencia 2023: when does it start?
The Baraja-led group regrouped last Friday, July 7, for the standard medical checks and fitness testing ahead of a pre-season that will be staged at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna, followed by a training stint in Switzerland, with up to five friendly matches planned as part of the build-up.
Pre-season Valencia: trips and concentration bases
The initial training block will happen on the club’s training grounds at Paterna, where the emphasis will be on conditioning and tactical integration as the main phase approaches. After a week focused on physical preparation, the first test match is scheduled for Tuesday, the 18th, behind closed doors at the Antonio Puchades Stadium against Nottingham Forest.
Following the home session, the squad will travel for a second friendly against Spartak Trnava in Slovakia on July 22, with the following day signaling the start of a training camp in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
In Switzerland, Valencia will meet FC St. Gallen 1879 on the 25th, and on the 26th the team will complete the trip before returning to the Valencian region to face Alavés on the 29th, again at Antonio Puchades.
On August 5, the 51st edition of the Orange Trophy will be held at the Mestalla Stadium, where Baraja’s squad will confront English club Aston Villa starting at nine in the evening.
That match will be the final warm-up before the league campaign begins in earnest for Valencia.
Valencia pre-season: friendlies
Pre-season Valencia 2023: acquisitions and squad changes
Valencia has entered the new season with one confirmed signing so far: Pepelu, a former Levante player, who joined for five million euros.
In contrast, several players bid farewell, including Nico González, Moriba, and Lino, who had seen considerable minutes last year. Toni Lato and Justin Kluivert also departed, with the option to buy not being exercised for either player.
During this period of preparation, there is more to be done than just fine-tuning fitness. Administrative moves remain on the table, with potential casualties and new signings expected as the club reshapes the squad after the challenging 2022-2023 season.
All of these developments point to a broader restructuring plan aimed at restoring stability and competitive form for the upcoming campaign.