Valencia need a win against Getafe to win their fans back and keep their European hopes alive going into the New Year.
The Ernesto Valverde revolution was knocked badly off course with a 1-0 loss at home to Rayo Vallecano last weekend, in the new boss’s third game in charge.
Los Che, who have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, are 11th with 21 points, three less than 7th placed Getafe.
“The match is very important,” remarked Valverde on Thursday. “Both we and Getafe come into the game thinking that we must win no matter what. We have a greater obligation than Getafe because they have achieved some great results.”
Despite their overachievement Getafe tactician Luis Garcia Plaza has found himself in the absurd position of being booed and having to answer questions about his own future.
“I am very happy here, we are getting good results and hopefully we will be able to do well this year and the next, and we’ll see if there is more. Valencia will come out with anger, knowing that they have to, in order to fight for the Champions League places.
“We are three points above them in the table and must continue to hold at least that distance after the game.”
Kick off: Friday December 21, 7.00 (BST)
