Nuno: Negredo absence is sporting

Valencia Coach Nuno Santo insists the absence of Alvaro Negredo from the squad to play Gent is entirely a sporting decision.

Negredo, Rodrigo De Paul and Ruben Vezo aren’t part of the group to face the Belgians and the trainer was asked about the trio at his pre-match Press conference.

“All the decisions about the squad are made on sporting aspects,” he replied, AS reports.

“There are players who sometimes repeat [their place in the squad] and others who miss out, but only for sporting reasons.

“It’s a long year, with a lot of competitions and everyone is going to be important.

“It’s not the right time [for Negredo]. You have to make decisions that reflect the time. He wasn’t called against Real Betis, then played the next three. It’s happened with [Paco Alcacer].

“We want to improve our game and give everyone opportunities, when the time allows.

“After I’ve named the squad I talk to the players to explain my decision and the style of game we want to play.

“I think [we can see the best Negredo again]. I hope so for all the players in the squad. As a Coach my job is to give my best performance and the players to give theirs. We want to do it all and we won’t ever quit.”

Regarding the match itself, Nuno insisted Valencia are well versed in their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, and wouldn’t take the Belgians lightly.

“We always respect every opponent a lot. We never underestimate any rival,” he stressed.

“Gent work well and have an interesting dynamic. We know them and respect them. We give the information to our players and we’ll be prepared. I’m not afraid of them, with respect.

“We know virtually all their players. We’ve seen them all, we know them all. We’re prepared.”

Tags Gent Nuno Santo
La Liga - Club News