Pol Valentin has revealed the first thing that Danny Rohl said to him when he was appointed Sheffield Wednesday head coach.
Pol Valentin joined Sheffield Wednesday from Sporting Gijon last summer, linking up with fellow Spaniard Xisco Munoz.
The defender managed only one minute of action in the Owls’ first six games, before making his first start in a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in September.
Valentin’s start to life at Hillsborough was heavily criticised, with the full-back described as ‘calamitous’ as Wednesday endured some horrific form.
Danny Rohl eventually replaced Munoz in October and Valentin started his first two games in charge, before being dropped.
The 27-year-old was even left out of the squad completely for four matches, but has forced himself into the starting line-up since the start of the year.
Valentin has now started 15 of the Owls’ previous 19 league matches and has become a ‘fan favourite’.
Danny Rohl told Valentin what he really loved about him
Despite a difficult start to life under both Munoz and Rohl, Valentin has now shared the praise his current coach gave him following his appointment.
Speaking to The Star journalist Joe Crann, Valentin said: “”I did not play a lot under Xisco as well. I didn’t show what I can do on the pitch because maybe I was not fit because I came from a big injury, and a lot of things in my mind – new language, new country, new style.
“But, I remember the first day when Danny came, he told me I love your game, I love your style, I love your pace. He believed in my abilities. I always had the confidence in that I knew I would have another opportunity, you will show what you can do.”
Pol Valentin has enjoyed a dramatic U-turn
Pol Valentin has become a regular for Sheffield Wednesday now and has enjoyed a complete U-turn from the poor form he suffered at the start of the season.
The defender has looked ‘dangerous’ going forward for Wednesday and has really looked to have settled in to Championship football now.
He is certainly feeling the benefits of working under Rohl, who appears to have transformed much of the squad in the six months he has been here.
Valentin can certainly make a key impact to the Owls’ final two games, while they will hope they can keep hold of him no matter what division they are in next season.
The post 'I remember...': Valentin explains what Danny Rohl first told him when he joined Sheffield Wednesday appeared first on Sheffield Wednesday News.