Valencia urged not to be distracted by Chelsea tie

Posted Saturday, December 03, 2011 by PA

Valencia manager Unai Emery has said his side cannot afford to look ahead to next midweek's massive Champions League clash with Chelsea and must concentrate on beating Espanyol this weekend.

Los Che currently sit third in the Primera Division, just four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand, but need to get at least a score draw at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to qualify for the last 16 of Europe's top competition.

Emery told the club's website: "We can't allow our concentration to be affected by the game on Tuesday because Espanyol will take advantage.

"They are an opponent that has lost here at Mestalla in the last three years, but in those last three years they have been very close to taking something. They have a defined style and always perform to a consistent level."

Despite his words Emery's selection may be affected by Tuesday with Roberto Soldado carrying a slight thigh injury that could see him rested. Victor Ruiz is however fit to return against his old side and Diego Alves will continue in goal as Vicente Guaita is not yet 100% fit.

Espanyol have had disciplinary problems this week as Mauricio Pochettino has left Ndri Romaric out of the squad after the Ivorian turned up late to training.

However Pochettino denied the breakdown between the two would threaten Romaric's future at the club.

He told a press conference broadcast on the club's website: "We haven't lost confidence in him, we have to turn the page and hope that there won't be a repeat.

"Punishment is a strong word, but there are rules that you have to follow and consequences if you don't."

Pochettino has also been impressed by Valencia's form so far this season and believes his side have to be careful in possession if they are to take anything from the game.

"This Valencia is stronger than last year. They are a team that press intensively when you have the ball.

"We need to play quickly, with two or three touches, and pass the ball into space. More than anything though we need to improve when we lose the ball because they are lethal on the counter-attack."

Javi Marquez and Sergio Garcia returned to training this week but have not been included in the squad, whilst Walter Pandiani and Javi Lopez are also unavailable due to injury.

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