Juan Antonio Pizzi has lamented Valencia’s late loss to Sevilla in the Europa League semi-final.
It appeared Los Che had done enough to reach the showpiece in Turin by taking a 3-0 lead in the second-leg, overturning Sevilla’s 2-0 advantage from the first encounter.
A 94th minute Stephane Mbia goal sent Sevilla through, however, and after the match Pizzi said that while he can’t fault his players for their performance, he is still mightily disappointed.
“We’ve given everything. I can’t reproach the team for anything. We’re not the first and we won’t be the last. This is football,” AS reports the Coach as saying.
“I’m not taking anything away from Sevilla but we did enough to be in the final. There’s no justice in football.
“We can rest assured though that this road leads to good things.
“I told the players I’m proud of them and they deserved to get to the final. Unfortunately these things are part of our career and shocks are worth more than the victories, I’d say.
“Everyone has to work for each other. We must learn and value learning, and try to be better every day.”
Pizzi was asked for his thoughts on the Mestalla crowd and said he felt the fans had been let down by the outcome.
“It’s difficult to identify with the public, I feel. How they behave, how they encourage us,” Pizzi said.
“We haven’t given them what they really deserve. Thank you again, and be proud of Valencia.
“Hopefully tomorrow that pride can be accompanied by joy.”
