VICTOR VALDES has withdrawn Barcelona’s youth team from a clash with Everton due to health concerns for his players.
The Spaniard, who starred in goal for the Catalans before spells with Manchester United and Middlesbrough in the Premier League, returned to the Nou Camp last month.
Valdes, 37, was appointed coach of the club’s Juvenil A team this summer after earning his Uefa Pro Licence badge.
But he caused controversy yesterday morning as he refused to let his starlets face Everton in a third-place place at the Otten Cup in Eindhoven.
Barcelona had lost out to Inter Milan in the semi-finals of the youth tournament but were due to take on the Toffees just an hour later.
However, Valdes insisted there was not enough recovery time between the matches and withdrew his side in order to “save the health” of the youngsters.
The Barca legend released a statement shortly after the announcement explaining his reasoning.
He said: “My decision is based solely on safeguarding the health of my young players since we are not satisfied with the organisation in terms of rest times between matches.
“Today, after being eliminated in the semi-finals, there has been no room for recovery, just one hour between games, to an unusual wear and tear for their age and for the pre-season stretch in which we find ourselves.”
Valdes continued: “Without further ado, I would like to say that given the high risk of injury to my workforce, or something more serious at the cardiac level that could occur if I did not make this decision, I assume all the guilt and responsibility for what this may have generated.
“Let’s look more for the players and the show, for the moment, in my opinion, that has not prevailed, but I will always protect mine regardless of the consequences.”
Ex-Spain international Valdes won a host of honours throughout his 17-year playing career.
He claimed both the World Cup and European Championship for his country and helped the La Liga giants win six titles.
And he also claimed a hat-trick of Champions League wins during his stay at the Nou Camp.
Valdes started his coaching career with amateur side ED Moratalaz’s youth team, guiding them to two regional titles last season before his Barca homecoming.
