Pizzi rues sloppy Valencia

Juan Antonio Pizzi believes Valencia paid the price for their sloppy attitude in the 2-2 draw with Almeria.

Los Che went two goals clear – including the fastest goal in La Liga history from Seydou Keita – but gave up the advantage by full time.

Pizzi told his post-match Press conference that Valencia lost their focus after Almeria levelled and departed from the game plan.

“Unexpected things happen when you take things for granted,” Pizzi said.

“The result was unexpected, in a negative way. We did what we wanted to do at 2-2.

“There are mental and emotional factors. The fans showed their feelings when the game started slipping away.

“That gave Almeria a sense of hope, the same we saw [in Almeria’s 4-3 win over Real Sociedad].

“We were in the match until it was 2-2. We didn’t have the same drive in the final 30 minutes.”

Keita was later forced off with an injury and Pizzi feels he was missed, although denied the midfielder’s absence was crucial.

“I don’t think Keita not being there was why we gave up the lead,” the Argentine added.

“But it does have to be said that his style of play and personality give us balance, most of all with his experience.

“It’s going to be hard to qualify for Europe now but we’ll keep fighting.”

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