Copa Del Rey Is Important For Valencia - Emery

Valencia take on Racing Santander in the Copa Del Rey this week and for coach Unai Emery it is a match that brings with it a lot of importance.

Not only were Valencia thrashed by Racing late last year, but they are also defending champions in the competition, and, if they make the final, will play it at their home ground, the Mestalla.

For these reasons, it is unsurprising that Emery believes this is a match with plenty of significance.

"The Copa Del Rey match is important and we are going to have to work to qualify," he told AS.

"We have to focus in these competitions, because it is clear that we can lose. Racing, after being eliminated from the UEFA Cup will have ambitions to go far in this tournament, but we are the defending champions, with the final at the Mestalla, and we have to be be focused.

Emery also recalled the match which saw them lose to Racing 4-2 at the Mestalla, and said that serves as 'added motivation,' although this one will be different.

"We confront the match with many desires. Racing play at home and will press, and that will make it hard, because they are a team with very good players," he mused.

The coach also spoke about rumours that Mohammed Tchité, scorer of three goals in their previous meeting, would not play, and said he thinks he will, and that Valencia will pay him plenty of attention.

One player who won't be playing though is Nikola Zigic, who is on loan from Valencia to Racing, but nevertheless, Emery took time out to talk about him briefly.

"I am glad he scored the other day because he is a good kid and good player, but he did not have much time here and there he gets it," he said.

Emery was also questioned about winter signing Thiago Carletto, and the coach said at the moment they want him to keep adapting to training, and they are prepared to be patient with him.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com


Dynamo embrace shot at redemption
Helguera’s Valencia Contract Mutually Terminated
Dynamo to face Atlante in Champions League