It’s fair to say that Guido Rodriguez’s time at West Ham United was not a successful one, by any discernible measure.
The 32-year-old spent two years with the Hammers after joining on a free transfer from Real Betis in 2024.
He arrived with a glowing reputation from his time in Spain, where he had been a key player for Betis over four years.
West Ham failure
But he went on to make just 32 appearances for the Hammers, ultimately finding himself out of the team as they were relegated last season.
This summer he departed to rejoin Valencia, perhaps hoping to get his career back on track following a disappointing two years at West Ham. That’s yet to happen, though, with a lack of fitness meaning he’s yet to turn out for Carlos Corberán’s side.
It seems, though, the former West Ham man is willing to go against medical advice on that front.
“Guido, who hadn’t trained and was effectively ruled out, is pushing himself to train today because he wants to be available and compete tomorrow,” Corberán told journalists, relayed by El Desmarque.
“Unfortunately, however, the time that has passed means he hasn’t been medically cleared to play. He is willing to play without medical clearance. But as long as I am at Valencia, I am not going to let him play without it.”
Medical advice first
The Valencia manager isn’t willing to take such risks, though. He’s shut down any possibility of the former West Ham man taking to the field.
“It’s not ideal, but it’s what happens in football,” he added.
“If you ask the medical staff, surely no one is happy about having injured players. We all suffer because of it – we do, and the medical staff does too.
“The example I gave you earlier regarding Guido is clear. All the decisions we make are reached in consultation with the medical staff. They are the specialists and know whether or not the players are fit to help the team.”
