Claudio Ranieri came to Valencia CF as coach in the 1997/98 season, after the dismissal of Jorge Valdano. After a few months with many changes, the Italian was able to give the team a new identity and guide them to the 1999 Copa del Rey. In his first spell at the club, which ended with that final, Ranieri also managed to qualify the team for the Champions League, beginning one of Valencia CF's golden eras.

A complete year

In our case, success was not just playing a big game against Atletico Madrid in the final. We had also played against FC Barcelona in the quarterfinals and in the semifinals against Real Madrid, winning 6-0 at Mestalla. We started that season in June with the Intertoto Cup, and finished it a year later, playing at a good level all the time.

An unforgettable celebration

The memories are unforgettable. When we returned to Valencia, the whole city was out on the streets. I still get goosebumps thinking about it.

An evenly matched final

A final is always 50-50. Betis are doing better in LaLiga and score a lot of goals, but a final is evenly matched. Hopefully we can repeat our wins.

A great project

That Valencia CF side was a gamble. When I arrived, there were many champions and also many youngsters with strength and quality. I took a gamble on them. We had a good mix of experienced players like Carboni, Anglomá, Djukic and Milla, along with youngsters like Illie, Claudio López, Farinós, Mendieta, Soria and Cañizares. It was a team that later reached two Champions League finals. It was a good project that went further later on. I am very proud of that time. It was wonderful.

Mendieta's goal

We had two very fast and speedy attackers. We also had players with a lot of quality like Mendieta and Farinós. I still remember the goal that Mendieta scored at La Cartuja. When I think of the final, I remember that moment. Without a doubt, it was one of the best goals in the history of Valencia CF. If Messi, Zidane or Platini had scored it, it would have been regarded as wonderful by everyone. It was wonderful for us.

Collecting his medal

No one told me I had to go up to collect a medal. I stayed on the pitch. Later, when I saw on TV that Antic was the first from Atletico Madrid to go up to the royal box, I realised my mistake.

Support from the fans

The fans were the most important thing. We were in it together. We were a team. The seasons in which I coached Valencia CF were wonderful.

Convinced by the 2022 squad

I see the current team as a good Valencia CF. You have to be convinced that anything can be done. Betis are a little stronger than us, but the final is evenly matched. It is not easy, because the game is being played in Seville, but I am convinced that Valencia CF will have a great final.

Claudio Lopez

'Piojo' was a key player for me. When I arrived, they told me that he was too fast and that he left the ball behind. But I liked him a lot, I gave him my full confidence and we had a great relationship.