Celta Vigo Coach Paco Herrera has put his side’s narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Valencia down to naïve mistakes, suggesting that the sun played its part.
“In the first half we played particularly well, better than our opponents, but in the end they still beat us, but in any case, I insist that we were facing the sun when we conceded both goals and those circumstances hurt you,” he fumed at the full-time whistle today.
The hosts triumphed through successful strikes from Sofiane Feghouli and Aly Cissokho, but the former Liverpool assistant claims his men startled them at times.
“Valencia was surprised by us, or will blame it on their fitness, and I am adamant the way to win in future was shown by how we did in the first half. My dream today would have been for us to play like that throughout, and not make naïve mistakes.”
Top scorer in La Segunda for Celta last season Iago Aspas was impressive in the opening half with several excellent chances and touches, but the 58-year-old tactician defended replacing him with 20 minutes to play.
“He was fighting nobly in the game but could not find a solution for a goal towards the end, so I decided to replace him, even if had he stayed on he might have scored.”
Herrera ended his post-match interview by complimenting his opposing number Mauricio Pellegrino, insisting he has a bright future ahead of him.
