Juan Antonio Pizzi hasn’t given up hope of Valencia qualifying for next season’s Europa League through their League position.
Los Che are currently eighth, seven points behind Villarreal and 12 adrift of Real Sociedad, with four games to play.
They host Atletico Madrid on Sunday and Pizzi has told a pre-match Press conference that his players are relishing the challenge of facing the League leaders.
“They come, naturally, looking for points, but they know they have a difficult proposition against us,” Marca reports Pizzi as saying.
“We have to hold on to the possibility of playing in the Europa League next season.
“It is complicated by the points difference and the amount of points left to play for but we have to make every effort and exhaust all possibilities we have in the game.”
Valencia are still in this year’s competition and face a semi-final second-leg against Sevilla on Thursday, having lost the first encounter 2-0.
“We’re going with a team that gives us assurance they can still fight in the League,” Pizzi said when asked about the possibility of resting players against Atletico.
“Regardless if there are changes, all who are called are in good shape despite the strain of matches. They all want to compete against the best in the League.”
Pizzi also offered his condolences to the family of Tito Vilanova, who passed away on Friday at the age of 45.
“As everyone in Barcelona, in Spain, in the sporting world, it’s sad. It’s difficult for all of us in this room. Our condolences to his family,” Pizzi said.
