Valencia Coach Nuno Santo doesn’t see any personal aspect to a potential win in Gent. ‘Victories are important for the team, above all.’
Nuno has come under pressure this season with the Mestalla crowd vocalising their complaints over results and the style of play, but the trainer insists he’d rather be at home than on the road for the Champions League tie.
“We always try to be the same team, but obviously being away is a factor. In the League, in my time, we’ve only lost once at home,” he pointed out, AS reports.
“Victories are important for the team, above all. For the club, for the project. It’d be our third consecutive Champions League win and we’d be very close to being among the 18 best teams in Europe.
“It’s normal that after the game you reflect, that’s human. If you see someone isn’t happy with our work, you’re hurt. But I’m looking to improve and reverse the situation. I’d rather play this game at home.”
The right set of results would see Los Che through to the next round but Nuno warned it won’t be an easy affair.
“From the start we knew Gent were a good team. They’re top of their League and they’re strong,” he argued.
“They’re even stronger at home. We won’t be surprised by their quality. We must be careful. I think this match will be as open as at Mestalla. It’s not just us looking for goals, but Gent too. It will be competitive.”
The Coach was also asked if Alvaro Negredo could return to the squad after being left out in recent weeks, and didn’t rule it out, but offered no assurances either.
“We’ll make a decision on the squad. As is routine we bring 20 players, in other cases 21,” he explained, with an 18-man match squad needed.
“This way we can prevent last-minute setbacks and also work in the post-game recovery and prepare for the League.
“All players are an option. What I try to do is get the best out of them. It’s my duty as Coach to analyse and evaluate to get a strong team and win the game.”
