Valencia must rediscover form

 
Valencia began their La Liga campaign chomping at the bit, but performances have dipped of late and they have slipped back into fifth place. With a difficult run-in to the League campaign, Nuno Santo must quickly arrest the decline to get some decent points on the board if his team is to compete for a Champions League spot.
 
The new Coach seemed to have instilled a renewed confidence at the Mestalla, and this early promise was highlighted by an excellent 3-1 victory over champions Atletico Madrid. It was a far cry from the turbulence that pervaded the summer, the ever-present financial problems, arrival of Peter Lim, and departure of nearly 20 players, including the loss of Jeremy Mathieu to Barcelona and Juan Bernat to Bayern Munich.
 
Yet Valencia fought fire with fire, namely firepower, and their attacking verve was eye-catching in the early stages of the season. This was based on an intense pressing game, and the form of new No.9 Paco Alcacer and on-loan Rodrigo was rewarded by the Spanish national team.
 
However Valencia have taken just one point from three games following the derby victory at Villarreal, and the summit of La Liga is an unforgiving place. Los Che have lost three of their last six League games, the total number of losses suffered by the top three combined, with leaders Real Madrid on a 17-match winning streak across all competitions.
 
The return to full fitness of Alvaro Negredo, on loan from Manchester City, must inspire his teammates, as he has the potential to act as a lethal spearhead and start banging in the goals. This firepower could be the difference between them and other contenders for fourth such as Sevilla and Villarreal. The fear factor that was evident at the start of the season, where Los Che put their opponents on the back foot right from the first whistle, must return.
 
In the first seven fixtures of the season Nuno saw his team score seven goals in the opening 20 minutes of their games. In the last six, there have been just three. There was a confidence that was reflected in the stands, and this must be recovered as quickly as possible if those supporters are to see their team return to Europe’s elite competition, and the coveted earning potential that brings.
 
Valencia need to be mindful of a difficult end to the season, and get decent points on the board while the fixture list is more favourable. An 11-game spell beginning in March sees Nuno’s team face away games against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid. During the same period they must also welcome Sevilla to the Mestalla and travel to Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano.
 
The basis of Valencia’s Champions League challenge will be formed now, as points will be dropped towards the end of the campaign. Taking nine points from three very much winnable games prior to the winter break would be an ideal way to renew their bid for fourth.
La Liga - Club News