Valencia vs Racing Santander preview - Parejo looks forward after Mata exit

Posted Saturday, August 27, 2011 by PA

New signing Dani Parejo is confident Valencia can cope without Juan Mata as they begin their Primera Division campaign against Racing Santander.

Valencia, having lost David Villa and David Silva last year, saw their other prized asset depart the Mestalla this summer when Mata moved to Chelsea for a reported fee of #23.5million.

The Spain international was a key part of the Valencia side that has finished third in La Liga for the last two seasons, but playmaker Parejo believes Los Che can live without the World Cup winner.

Parejo, who is one of a host of newcomers in Unai Emery's squad along with the likes of Pablo Piatti, Sergio Canales and Adil Rami, said: "He (Mata) has left like many other very important players have down the years and the team has continued forward with good results.

"As well as that, Valencia have strengthened well this summer and the team is there to continue fighting for the top places."

Regarding his own start to life at Valencia following his switch from Getafe, former Real Madrid youngster Parejo said: "I've adapted very quickly, much quicker than I thought, and this has been possible thanks to the rest of the team.

"I don't know where I will play. I've played some matches in one position and others in another, but I've felt comfortable in both. I have to improve defensively but I don't need to go mad about it. Time will tell what my best position is."

Racing will be under the guidance of the vastly experienced Argentinian Hector Cuper this season after he took over the reins following Marcelino Garcia Toral's departure to Sevilla.

Cuper, who led Valencia to two Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001, will not be able to call on the services of Mexico international Giovani dos Santos, who impressed on loan last season before returning to Tottenham.

Giovani scored five goals in 16 appearances - finishing as Racing's third top-scorer - to help the Cantabrian club retain their Primera Division status, ending the campaign in 12th spot, three points above the drop zone.

Racing have been fairly quiet in the transfer market this summer, but midfielder Papa Diop has faith in the squad, and the club's up-and-coming players.

"The youngsters are going to show, as they have done in pre-season, that they are ready and able to play in the Primera Division," said Diop.

Looking ahead to the trip to Valencia, Diop added: "We have to go out with a winning mentality even though the Mestalla is a difficult ground."