Shattered Valencia blank out
We now face a very difficult match and need our best players MARCELINO
VALENCIA boss Marcelino admits his side are shattered ahead of their Europa League trip to Glasgow because of their hectic schedule.
Celtic’s opponents on Thursday looked leggy and weary yesterday as they had to settle for a disappointing home scoreless draw with Real Sociedad in the Mestalla.
And Marcelino admitted their run of matches, which included a Copa del Rey semi-final last Thursday, had taken their toll. He said: “When you play a game less than 72 hours after your last one it is very obvious you are going to be tired.
“But we still had a few good chances in the second half and could have won, although I accept Real Sociedad were better in the first half.
“We now only have another four days before we have to play Celtic and that will be another exhausting game for the players.
“I would have preferred to give some of my players a rest for the game in Scotland but that is not possible. We know we face a very difficult match in Glasgow and we need our best players for it.”
Early on former Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj came close with a deflected effort for Sociedad.
Valencia only came alive in the second half and there was little for watching Celtic scouts to be concerned about, as Sociedad proved Celtic will get chances.
The home side were tidy enough on the ball with midfielders Carlos Soler and Daniel Parejo composed. But they produced precious little for strikeforce Kevin Gameiro and Mina to feed off.
Valencia improved in the second half after the introduction of former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin and Gameiro missed two decent chances from headers.
They received a boost as Portuguese midfielder Gonaclo Guedes came on after three months out with a groin injury.
VALENCIA (4-4-2) – Neto; Piccini, Roncaglia, Garay, Gaya; Soler, Parejo, Kondogbia (Coquelin 62), Cheryshev (Guedes 75); Gameiro, Mina (Rodrigo 66).