Valencia winger Joaquin is hoping to put his recent troubles behind him as he prepares for the new campaign.
Valencia start keen to forget about the past
Valencia winger Joaquin is hoping to put his recent troubles behind him as he prepares for the new campaign.
The Spaniard was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous wide-men in world football when he swapped life at Real Betis for that at the Mestalla in the summer of 2006.
However, with Los Che experiencing countless problems both on and off the field of late, the 27-year-old has struggled to recapture the form which made him a household name.
He endured a disappointing 2007/08 season, as did many of his team-mates, and was left out of Spain's successful European Championship squad as a result.
Optimistic
He realises that the next 12 months are 'very important' for him and insists that he is capable of becoming an attacking force once more.
"I am heading into the season with new ideas and I am optimistic," he told
Marca.
"I have clarified things with the club and they have explained things that have gone on in the past.
"I wanted to get some issues settled and that's what I have done. It was important to hold talks with the club and there may be more in the future."
Mentality
Joaquin went on to rule out the possibility of leaving the financially crippled club over the summer, saying: "As I have said, I have met with the club recently and I know what they think of me now. I have no doubt they want to keep me."
The playmaker is also hoping that Valencia can put the painful memories of last season firmly behind them and get back to challenging at the top of the table next term.
"That's in the past," he said.
"We have a new mentality, we have moved on and the important thing is that we start with a clean slate."
Emery
Joaquin has also been impressed by new boss after Unai Emery, who is looking to repair the damage caused by Ronald Koeman's ill-fated spell in charge last season.
"It is looking positive," he said.
"He has created a good atmosphere from the start and has made things clear.
"He is very easy to talk to and has good man-management skills."
