Emery: Copa Clash No Waste Of Time

It was predicted as the tie of the round, but unfortunately for the only Tercera División side left in the Copa Del Rey, Portugalete, there was to be no upset against last years winners Valencia as they lost 4-1 at home.

Now they must travel to the Mestalla this week where they will doubtless endure a similar scoreline, but nevertheless Valencia coach Unai Emery says that it is not a formality for his team, but a chance to improve.

"I have heard it said that this game for my players could be a chore, but the truth is that there is always someone watching and it is an opportunity to improve both collectively and individually," he mused to AS today.

"Football is a spectacle and we like to remember that. Satisfying the fans with the way their team plays is always an objectve for me and will seek to provide that."

Emery confirmed, however, that he would be selecting some youth team players and said that "they should feel like they have the possibility to be in the first team."

Aside from the Copa Del Rey he spoke about the headbutting incident on Sunday against Getafe which saw Roberto Soldado sent-off for clashing heads with Carlos Marchena.

Plenty of Getafe players have come out and accused the Spaniard of going down easily and acting but today Emery defended his player and said a red was a deserved punishment.

"Our player was on the end of it and did not enter the book - one must condemn the dirty play and praise the calm head," he said.

"They (the criticisms) have been disproportionate and out of place. [Marchena] acted correctly and the only punishable action was that of Soldado.

"I don't believe that it will affect Carlos Marchena because he has a lot of experience and personality, fights for his club and all the Valencia fans can be proud of their captain."


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