Unai Emery says Barcelona game will test Valencia’s title hopes
Valencia coach Unai Emery has revealed his belief that his side’s upcoming match against Barcelona will prove to be a stern test of their La Liga title credentials.
Valencia is currently at the top of the table, having claimed 16 points from their first six games in an unbeaten start to the new campaign, while the club has plaudits for their eye-catching attacking displays.
That good form will be pushed to the limit when the club takes on defending champions, Barcelona, at the Camp Nou on October 16. Barca has had an uneven start to the season, having drawn 1-1 against both Real Mallorca in the Primera Division and Russian
champions Rubin Kazan in the UEFA Champions League, but Emery believes that the Catalan giants will still be playing at a high level.
“We will not face Barcelona at a lower level, we are likely to face the Barcelona who defeated Panathinaikos 5-1 in the Champions League. To counter this, we will need to be at a very high level ourselves. We have made a very positive start, but games like
this will strengthen our position in the standings. The game at Camp Nou will gauge how the team can perform.”
The coach added that being at the top of the league at this early stage means little if Valencia cannot hang on to their lead. They are ahead of Villarreal by one point, Real Madrid by two and Barcelona by three.
“There is no need to open the champagne, because we have not won a title. We must continue in the same mindset and not think that we are better than anyone. We owe it to the fans and supporters of Valencia.”
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