Jose Jiménez, coordinator of the Scouting department at the VCF Academy, talks about his arrival at Valencia CF, his career at the Ciudad Deportiva and some of the curiosities of his job.

How did you join Valencia CF? 

"One day, training in Catarroja, Subirats came to talk to me to propose that I do the same work that I was doing for the Valencian regional team, but for Valencia CF.” 

You have been here for 26 years. Have many things changed here? 

“We are very happy with how everything has progressed at the Ciudad Deportiva. In terms of facilities, the VCF Academy occupies a very important place at the club. I can see a very exciting project, based on the professionalism of the people who are part of it. It has integrated many professional groups. All of this will bear much fruit in the future.” 

What have been the recruitment profiles in your time here? 

“We have always based our scouting on players from the Mediterranean. In turn, 90% of the players that have been brought in are from the Valencia region. I usually say that the greatest virtue is that we have enjoyed a wide range of great footballers such as Albiol, Silva, Isco, Pablo Hernández, Jordi Alba, Bernat, Paco Alcácer, Ferran, etc. All of them have the characteristics of Valencia Club de Fútbol.” 

What qualities should a Valencia CF player have? 

“In our reports, what we value is the technical, tactical, physical and also the social aspect -which is becoming more and more important every day. Here the VCF DNA is being instilled.” 

What does the club mean to you? 

“Valencia CF have given me all the love in the world. As a professional, I doubt that any other place could treat me the way they have treated me here.” 

How do you feel about receiving the honourary award for your career in the first edition of the VCF Academy Awards? 

“It will be with me for life. I wanted to thank Sean Bai, Luis Martínez, Marco Otero and Sergio Ventosa for their kindness and how they have always behaved with me. Receiving this kind of thing, for me, is fundamental.”