Harvey Elliott joined Valencia on loan from Liverpool and witnessed a frosty reception after making his debut at the Mestalla as his side were thrashed by Barcelona
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott made his Valencia debut on Sunday - but it did not go according to plan(Image: Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
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Harvey Elliott and his Valencia team-mates were booed off the pitch at the Mestalla after they were thrashed 5-0 by Barcelona. It wasn't the dream debut for the midfielder who had been told that the team's fans would support him 'when things aren't going well'.
Elliott came off the bench when Valencia were already 3-0 down, forced to make his first appearance in difficult circumstances, days after completing his move. The loanee got to see Barcelona's quality up close as Lamine Yamal scored a brace, while Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Pedri all got on the scoresheet.
The 23-year-old is set to spend the season on loan with Valencia, with the La Liga side not holding an option to make the deal permanent. Elliott was robbed of playing time last term as Aston Villa quickly decided they did not want to trigger the obligation to sign the player after a small number of appearances.
The Fulham academy product will hope for a more successful season, though the reception at full-time could be a sign of pressure building in Valencia. Los Ches have earned a single point and scored just one goal in their opening four matches of the season.
The onslaught of boos came when added time was announced, with supporters hoping for the game to end. Loud cheers followed after the final whistle, and thousands of fans are said to have gathered outside the stadium to call the players 'mercenaries'.
There were calls for club president Kiat Lim and owner Peter Lim to 'go home'. The team's ultras had also left the stands empty at the start of the match.
Valencia fans protest against the clubs president, Kiat Lim, and owner Peter Lim
Valencia fans protest against the clubs president, Kiat Lim, and owner Peter Lim(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
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The frosty atmosphere might come as a bit of a surprise to Elliott, who had held discussions with former Valencia star and Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian played 134 times for the La Liga side ahead of joining Liverpool.
Speaking at his unveiling, Elliott revealed that he'd gained an insight into the club from the Reds star. Elliott said: “Giorgi told me the fans are incredible.
"When things aren’t going well, they support you and are with you until the end. And when you win and play well, they’re the best fans you could have.
“He also told me the city is amazing. We talked a little, although I didn’t want to ask too many questions so as not to give away what was going on. But Giorgi spoke very highly of the city and, above all, of the club. I’m very excited and eager to experience it for myself.”
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