Pako upbeat after Las Palmas loss

Pako Ayestaran insists Valencia “will be better in the next game” after he took positives from Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas.

Rodrigo opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Valencia would suffer their fifth defeat in six, courtesy of a penalty from Jonathan Viera and Shkodran Mustafi’s own goal, to leave them just six points clear of La Liga’s relegation zone.

“We had a good first half, but in the second half we had problems because we lacked energy and we backed off,” the interim Coach said after the game.

“Their equaliser made it difficult for us, but we improved after we made changes.

“In the end we were undone by the circumstances, but I’m very proud of what the players have done.

“They played how we wanted in the first half, with effort and character, and from there we’ll be better in the next game.

“[Las Palmas’ momentum and Valencia’s regression] coincided. They exploited the middle and in the end we withdrew a bit and our defence dropped too deep.

“[On whether Valencia had discussed relegation], we’re only looking at the next game and not further.

“I really like [Las Palmas’] style of play and the confidence they have. They’re in a sweet run of form.”

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