Carlos Arroyo talks AD Alcorcón and Valencia CF cup tie

Valencia CF play against AD Alcorcón for the first time ever this weekend, as their paths cross in the Copa del Rey. Carlos Arroyo, the delegate for VCF Mestalla, has a history at both clubs, and he talks about his affinity for the two teams who will square off on Sunday.

Arroyo joined AD Alcorcón aged 12, at the end of the 1970s, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Tomás. He debuted for their first team at the age of 17, following success at Juvenil level, until he was signed by Valencia CF at senior level.

“AD Alcorcon were a small club,” he recalls. “They were always playing in either Preferente or the Tercera División. It was a family-orientated, simple club. A football school for kids gave us the chance to take our first steps in the game.”

“Everybody says that I was born in Alcorcón, but I was actually born in Madrid and had family there. I lived close, but I wasn’t born in Alcorcón.”

Arroyo went on to represent Valencia CF for 12 seasons, becoming one of the 10 players with the most appearances for the team. He was pleased to see the cup draw bring the two teams dearest to his heart together.

“I was watching the draw, and it was curious to see AD Alcorcón and Valencia CF together after so many years. They were where my career started, and they are my two teams. To have them meet in the Copa del Rey is a surprise and a joy for me.”

AD Alcorcón are now an established Segunda División side, with a history of giantkilling conquests in the Copa del Rey -something that Valencia CF will try to avoid this Sunday.

“Football has evened up a lot now, and that is especially so over a single game, played at the ‘inferior’ team’s home ground,” warns Arroyo.

“These types of teams have grown a lot. We see it in VCF Mestalla games, in which the opposing sides have larger, better prepared coaching staffs all the time, with players of high quality. The players are there due to circumstances, but could be at a higher level.”

“We have to be very careful, but Valencia CF should be better. I hope that, like against Yeclano Deportivo, they can resolve the challenge.”