Juan Antonio Pizzi has said Valencia cannot target qualifying for Europe this season, instead focusing on building the team’s identity.
Los Che were knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Tuesday evening, going down to a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid on the night for a 3-1 aggregate defeat.
Speaking at a post-match Press conference, Pizzi outlined his aims for the rest of the season, stressing that Valencia are chasing something more fundamental than a League position.
“It’s not convenient to talk of Europe, and nor do we need to.
“Our most basic reality is we have to recreate our identity and defend our football. I don’t think about points remaining.
“The only positive [to the Copa defeat] is that we will have more time to work during the week.
“This team can compete and beat any team. We have to aspire to that and I’m hurt by this defeat.”
Pizzi cited what he felt was an incorrect call by the referee to give a corner in the build-up to Atletico’s first goal but also pin-pointed his side’s slack marking as a contributory factor in Diego Godin’s opener.
Wednesday is set to be a pivotal day for Valencia as the club will learn the fate of Peter Lim’s takeover attempt.
Pizzi was however reluctant to discuss the boardroom machinations, declining to even say much about the possible transfer kitty Lim would provide.
“I have no authority to talk about it.
“If reinforcements arrive they are welcome but we have to solve the problems we’re having. This club has to be in the place it’s always been.”
