Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo insists there is no pressure on his players ahead of Thursday’s game against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.
Both Sevilla and Atletico Madrid registered victories on Tuesday night in the fight for the Champions League places, putting the Andalusians level on points with Los Che while Diego Simeone’s men are four clear.
However, Nuno believes there is no point in looking at what either of the other teams are doing.
“We have to focus on our own work against Athletic so that we’ll be prepared and motivated to compete at what is a difficult ground to visit,” the Portuguese told a Press conference.
“We can’t stop to think that our direct rivals are getting points. We must do our own thing because we know it’s going to be a fight to the end.
“We are on target, working well, and can’t concentrate on what’s happening around us. This year it will take more than 70 points to get into the Champions League spots, so we expect it to be tough.
“Taking each game as it comes is all we can do. We are three teams fighting for one spot and it will be a hard fight.”
Nuno admits his team has three important absentees for the clash with the Basques but has confidence in their replacements.
“[Suspended] Dani Parejo is out while Jose Luis Gaya and Enzo Perez are both injured. They are all important players who give a lot to the team, but we trust in those that will come in for them,” he explained.
