Valencia vs Eibar preview - Nuno calls for response

Posted Saturday, May 02, 2015 by PA

Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo hopes his side can compensate for their disappointing 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano when they host struggling Eibar on Sunday.

The draw allowed Sevilla to move level on points with Valencia in fourth, although Nuno's side have the better head-to-head record.

The coach admitted he felt his side could have taken all three points in Vallecas, but stressed the need for them to put the disappointment behind them and focus on winning their four remaining matches.

Nuno told a press conference: "We could have got a different result. We have reflected on how hard we worked and we've looked at what we need to improve.

"We need to keep on going. There are four finals left, four matches that will reflect the work we have done throughout the year.

"Tomorrow is the first step, we want to compete and win the three points at the Mestalla. Then we will prepare for what we have left."

Nuno admitted he would be watching Sevilla's game with Real Madrid but insisted he would do so not because of Unai Emery's side but instead to keep an eye on Madrid, who Valencia face next week.

Eibar lost 3-1 to Sevilla in midweek and are just two points above the relegation zone, having lost 13 of their last 15 matches, but Nuno does not expect an easy ride from Gaizka Garitano's side.

"I will watch the game because our next opponents are also playing but we are only thinking about Eibar, a team that want to stay in the top flight and deserve a lot of credit for what they are doing," he said.

"We know it's going to be a difficult match."

Pablo Piatti and Ruben Vezo are both doubtful for Valencia owing to injury, but Rodrigo Moreno is free to play despite being sent off against Rayo. The Spanish Football Federation could not approve suspensions on Friday as it was a national holiday.

For Eibar, Angel Rodriguez and Jaime Jimenez are out injured and Raul Navas is doubtful.