Bernd Schuster talks about tomorrow’s rival: “We’re fully aware that Valencia are a quality side, and under normal circumstances they should be in top five positions in the table. Following the change of coach they’ve started to show a good rhythm on the pitch, and put on a quality performance against Atlético de Madrid. This game will be a tough one for us, going by what they’ve achieved in such a short time. Rhythm and intensity will be crucial tomorrow.”
The German-born coach discusses the points the team missed against Levante UD: “We should never have lost a match like that, and should have at least come away with a draw. We really stepped up our attack in the final part of the match, but we need to be more focused in the moment, as the small details can determine the winner.”
Schuster looks at the first round of the League competition in a positive light: “We’ve definitely shown a great improvement from a footballing point of view. I think we let five or six points escape too easily along the way, but these things happen in football.”
The ‘Malaguista’ coach has selected the 19-player line-up for tomorrow’s game, as the Club is still awaiting Pablo Pérez’s transfer which will allow him to play: “I’ve got a good feeling about him, and you can tell he’s really keen to get out there and play. Pablo has got a great attitude, and really wants to immerse himself in the team. As soon as he is ready to play, I think he’ll support the team a great deal.”
Schuster also has a few words about Mounir El Hamdaoui: “He’s still in recovery, and although he’s training with the team, he’s still not back to full fitness. After another week of training, he may be able to re-join the group.”
Both Chen and Fabrice were absent from today’s training session due to contractual reasons: “Our situation hasn’t really helped them as players, as we’ve not been in a position to offer them more minutes on the pitch to enable them to adapt to the team and the Spanish League. At their age they need to play as much as possible, which is why we sought the best option for them.”
