Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott is facing an early challenge to get his career back up and running after a tough year, with his start to life at Valencia already creating some difficulties
Harvey Elliott of Valencia during the La Liga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Valencia CF played at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium
Harvey Elliott is facing a challenge at Valencia early on(Image: (Photo by Antonio Pozo / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport))
Harvey Elliott and his Valencia teammates have been described as "sad" over the start of the season for the side, after a rocky opening few weeks of La Liga action.
Valencia has faced a difficult start to the league campaign, sitting bottom of the table after five games, with just one point picked up in that time so far. That led to protests from fans and anger directed at the board, management, and the players.
Eventually, a breaking point was reached, as Valencia announced the firing of head coach Carlos Corberan, terminating his contract and going in search of a new direction. There is still time for Valencia to turn things around, starting with a match against Alaves on Tuesday, before a clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday that will bring about the first international break of the season.
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The meeting with Alaves will bring about another opportunity for Liverpool loanee Elliott to feature, after just two substitute appearances so far for the club.
While he could make the difference, the midfielder has walked into a locker room that has been described as being upset about the current start to the campaign.
Oscar Sanchez, the Valencia interim coach, spoke to the media and admitted: "There is sadness about the results, but the team are eager to turn the situation around.
Harvey Elliott of Valencia during the La Liga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and Valencia CF
Harvey Elliott has had a difficult start to life with Valencia(Image: (Photo by Antonio Pozo / Pressinphoto / Icon Sport))
"They have been receptive to what we wanted. They look aware of the responsibility, hungry and eager for tomorrow. I am convinced we will do well.
"I’m very excited about this, and I intend to pass that enthusiasm on to them. I am convinced that in a sport driven by passion like football is, changing the fans' mood is up to us, and that is exactly what we are working on."
It remains to be seen just how quickly Valencia's players will respond to the change in coach, but a reaction will be expected soon to save the season moving from a poor start to something much worse.
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For Elliott, it's far from the ideal situation to walk into. After his lack of minutes at Aston Villa last season, his failed permanent move there, and seemingly no place for him in the Liverpool team, the most important thing would have been stability and consistent minutes.
While the stability certainly hasn't been there since he moved to Spain, it's too early to say whether the loan move will be successful. There will be more opportunities to make an impact, with his substitute appearances so far coming as a result of him building up match fitness.
It remains to be seen how Elliott will do when the chances are presented to him, with the next two games offering him a chance to make an impact before the international break rolls around.