Nuno Santo has hit back at Valencia legend Mario Kempes over claims that Jorge Mendes is attaining too much control at the club.
Kempes spoke of his disappointment at seeing Amadeo Salvo, Francisco Rufete and Roberto Ayala all dismissed in favour of Nuno and Mendes gaining more power, but the Coach insists the former Argentina striker has nothing to worry about.
“The spirit of the team means we want to win every game,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Saturday's trip to Sporting Gijon in La Liga on Saturday.
“Tomorrow we'll go with the clear intention of respecting the opponent but also trying to win.
“I have been impressed by Yoel and Jaume in training. They're committed, focused and aware of their responsibilities.
“They're both at Valencia because they both have enough quality to keep goal for the team, but I won't say who I've picked.
“Goalkeepers need continuity, so the goalkeeper who starts at El Molinon will do so in the following game.
“Andre [Gomes] is in the squad. He's been on a long road to recovery. His injury has healed and he should be progressing in terms of his physical condition.
“I'm very happy for [Jose Ramon Alesanco] to join our family and provide his experience and human qualities to the side.
“It's important that the academy and first team are united. The more players who progress from the academy and into the first team, the better.
“[Sporting] are a team with enthusiasm, who play with very high intensity in their game and have got better with each game, but we want to have five points.
“[On the Champions League], the next game is always the most important.
“[Mario] Kempes, for me, is a Valencia legend and an inspiration for this club on the basis of what he did on the pitch.
“I've met him twice, where he congratulated me on both occasions, and I'll soon meet him for a third time. He can tell me what he has to say then.
“His opinion is not entirely correct because the structure of the club hasn't changed.
“It's always been the same people who have made decisions. That was wrong [of him to suggest otherwise].
“All of us at Valencia want to see the team score in their opponents' goal. It's absurd to say that [Jorge] Mendes is becoming the club owner. It's an opinion I do not share.
“[Paco Alcacer] has been doing well. He's always been very committed and strong in training and on the list [for Saturday]. He's an option if we need a goal.
“Playing at Mestalla forces us to work harder and be more dedicated in our work. I hope Mestalla will be a full house on Wednesday.
“What happens at El Molinon doesn't change anything. We#re thrilled to be back in the Champions League.
“The first day I arrived at Valencia, I was told that the team had to be in the Champions League. We're there now, but the immediate reality is El Molinon.
“[Sofiane Feghouli] is a great player and we want him to stay with us for many years.
“[Rodrigo Moreno] has versatility and can play anywhere in attack. His performance [last week] wasn't the best, but he's working hard to improve like Santi Mina.”
