Valencia, Koeman taking it "step by step"

Santander, Spain (Sports Network) - Valencia manager Ronald Koeman needs more time to turn his new club into the team he wants, but it's still important to make little gains every day.
"The team can't play as I want in only two weeks. We have to go step by step," he said.
Koeman recently left PSV in the Netherlands to take over Valencia and with his new club fourth in La Liga - level on points with third-place Barcelona - he can't give afford to give away points while he reshapes the club.
"This is a great club. By now, I'm not working in signing new players," Koeman said. "I'm studying the squad I have in my hands ... I trust my players."
With Real Madrid, Villarreal and Barcelona - the top three teams in the league - playing easier opponents this weekend, Valencia has to return from Santander with at least a draw against seventh-place Racing on Sunday.
A win is obviously what Koeman really wants...Full Story

Valencia goes for sixth consecutive league win

Valencia, Spain (Sports Network) - Since suffering a 3-0 defeat in the season opener against Villarreal, Valencia has reeled off five straight wins to move to within one point of league-leaders Real Madrid. The club will try for a sixth consecutive win on Saturday against Espanyol at Estadio Mestalla.
Valencia must first shake off a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday. After David Villa put Valencia ahead in the first half, Joe Cole and Didier Drogba answered back for Chelsea to give the Blues a 2-1 away win.
Manager Quique Sanchez Flores knows that his team has been shaky at home this season, dropping the Villarreal game and winning a pair of one-goal contests....Full Story

Ronaldinho shines as Barcelona downs Bilbao

Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Ronaldinho scored two first-half goals to lead Barcelona to a 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Camp Nou on Sunday.
Nestor Susaeta pulled a goal back for Bilbao in the second half but Yaya Toure got it right back for Barca one minute later to give the Catalan side its first win of the campaign.
After being help scoreless by Racing in its opening game, Barcelona came out attacking in the first half and put on a great display.
Ronaldinho was given a chance at a free kick from 25 yards out just eight minutes in, and the Brazilian sent a trademark shot into the upper corner of the net for a 1-0 Barca lead. He bent the ball around the wall and kissed it off the far post before it settled into the back of the net for a 1-0 Barca lead.
Another free kick from just outside the box nearly made it a two-goal game as Ronaldinho sent a dipping shot just over the net.
The home side continued to press its advantage and a nice 1-2 between Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry led to a penalty kick for Barca...Full Story

Riquelme on way back to Villarreal

LA PAMPA, Argentina (Ticker) - Argentina midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has confirmed he will return to Spanish club Villarreal on Monday to end speculation over his future.
Riquelme has been on loan at Boca Juniors since February after falling out with Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The playmaker was the catalyst for Boca's successful Copa Libertadores campaign, and was expected by some to continue his career in his homeland when the loan deal expired.
But with his contract at Villarreal tying him to the club until 2009, the Argentina international is obliged to return to Spain ahead of the coming Primera Liga campaign.
Riquelme said: "There is a lot of talk on the radio and in newspapers. I never said anything. My obligation is to train next week at the club where I have a two-year contract ahead."
The 29-year-old added that he has no problems returning to work under Pellegrini.
"It's going to be the same, he is the coach and I'm a player," Riquelme said. "I'm going to train and he will set up the team each Sunday."
The player has left the door open for a possible return to the club he has supported all his life.
He added: "Maybe I will put on the Boca shirt in June of 2009, when my Villarreal contract expires."

Signorino headed to La Liga

Getafe, Spain (Sports Network) - Getafe signed midfielder Franck Signorino from French outfit Nantes on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old joined Nantes two years ago, and made 65 Ligue 1 appearances during his tenure there. Signorino had two years left on his contract, but was allowed to seek a change after Nantes was relegated to the French second division at the end of last season.
Signorino, who has a new four-year deal, joins a club that finished .500 in La Liga last season. He will not be the only new face though when Getafe opens up its league schedule on August 26, at Sevilla, as he is the ninth signing of the summer for the club.

Simao signs with Atletico

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Atletico signed winger Simao Sabrosa from Benfica to a four-year contract on Friday.
The 27-year-old started his career with Barcelona, but did not make a name for himself until joining Benfica in 2001. With Benfica, Simao helped his club win the Portuguese league championship in 2005, and was named Portuguese Player of the Year last season.
"The experience and maturity that Simao has demonstrated over the course of his athletic career is unquestionable, demonstrating himself to be a responsible player who can throw off defenses," said Atletico President Don Enrique. "Simao stands out for his skill with the ball and his extraordinary pace. His technical contribution is outstanding, which tells us that we have a great talent."
A Portugal international, Simao has also collected 55 caps.
Simao is not expected to play in the Intertoto Cup tie on Saturday versus Gloria Bistrita, but is excited for the La Liga opener on August 26, at Real Madrid.
"I think that Atletico should always be in the top three and win titles," said Simao. "I hope to play the same here as I have the past few years."
Atletico finished last season in seventh place, 16 points behind title winner Real Madrid.

Caparros to take over at Bilbao

Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Spanish La Liga club Athletic Bilbao will name Joaquin Caparros as its new coach, the team reported on its Web site.
Caparros, 51, is expected to sign a three-year contract. He coached Deportivo Coruna the last two years and previously spent five years at Sevilla.