Pizzi: EL isn’t our only aim

Juan Antonio Pizzi has said that to suggest Valencia are focused on the Europa League would mean their League campaign is over.

Los Che meet Basel tonight and the game will be played without any supporters in the stadium after Basel were punished for their fans’ behaviour in the previous round.

Pizzi told a pre-match Press conference that he has experienced that situation before and expects the home team to be most affected.

“I’ve played behind closed doors as a player and a Coach and it’s very uncomfortable for everyone, players and Coaches,” he said.

“It’s not nice and personally I would have preferred the public to be there but I think the home side is always more affected by these measures.

“But I don’t consider it an advantage or a disadvantage. We’re equal.”

Pizzi was asked if Valencia’s season rests of progressing in the competition, strongly replying that in his mind, it doesn’t.

“I don’t feel that way. To feel that way suggests it’s impossible to qualify for the Europa League through the League and people began to feel that way on Sunday,” Pizzi added, citing Valencia’s defeat by Getafe.

“The players have trained well and they can’t choose to play in one tournament or another. They want to play.

“I don’t feel we are favourites [against Basel]. I don’t think we’re better or worse than anyone.

“We need to compete and try and have a good day.

“We’re not top of our League but we play in a very competitive League with world class teams and we’re aware we’re representing Spanish football.”

Tags Juan Antonio Pizzi
La Liga - Club News