Osasuna boss, Jose Luis Mendilibar, was pleased with his team’s performance against Valencia despite their 2-0 loss at the El Sadar stadium.
Two goals from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roberto-Soldado-c31367 gave the visitors all three points at the El Sadar.
Now Osasuna have to visit the Mestalla and come back from a two-goal disadvantage in order to have any chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Mendilibar had words of praise for Ernesto Valverde’s men. He said that Valencia are a team that belong in Europe’s most prestigious competition, the Champions League.
Reflecting on his side’s defeat, the tactician felt that his side lacked the finishing touch that is required to kill off games. However, he appreciates the effort put in by his players.
“http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valencia-c40863 are a team of the Champions League,” the Basque strategist sighed. “We lacked a bit of punch to win the match, but we tried.”
Los Che boss, Ernesto Valverde, said earlier that the tie is far from over. However, Mendilibar doesn’t concur with him as he is more sceptical of his team’s chance of advancing to the next round.
The Spaniard appreciates his counter part's thoughts, but believes Los Che are the favourites to go through as things stand at the moment.
“Valverde is a good guy. I won’t give you percentages, but it is much more for them than for us.”
The 51-year-old feels his players are not still settled as they are new to each other and didn’t play much together. Regardless, he is happy with the courage and effort they showed during the match.
“These players have played with each other very little, although they do train together every day. I’m happy with the work of them all.”
Finally, Mendilibar laments the fact that his team failed to score first in the match. He believes scoring first in any match gives teams the upper hand. Regardless, he is urging everyone to be more patient.
“We must have patience. The difference these things make in a game is striking. If you get a goal, you play more relaxed.”
Osasuna are on the verge of the relegation zone. Currently they are sitting on the 16th position with 13 points.
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