Los Che were beaten 1-0 at Malaga on Monday, a result which again highlighted the disparity between Valencia's form at Mestalla, where they have won seven of their nine games, and on the road, having won just three of their 10 away fixtures.
Nuno now wants his players to step up their games at the Power8 Stadium this weekend as they look to improve that disappointing record.
He told a press conference: "I don't think we have lost the enthusiasm for winning our games away from home, but we want to be the protagonists away from home. In some matches we have lacked a bit of pressure that you need to control the game.
"We have been working on all aspects of play and working on psychology, which for me is to be motivated and ready to scrap for a result. We are prepared to take on a difficult opponent and we want to get the three points."
Valencia are fifth in the Primera Division table and just one point behind Sevilla in the race for the fourth Champions League spot, while Espanyol are ninth.
The Catalans lost 3-2 in a thrilling contest with Sevilla last weekend, having to play the entire second half with 10 men after goalkeeper Kiko Casilla was sent off. However, the Catalans have a very strong home record, having lost just twice at their Power8 Stadium this season.
They beat Valencia 2-0 there last month in the second leg of a Copa del Rey last-16 tie, but Nuno insists his side will not be motivated by thoughts of revenge.
"They are different competitions and there is no spirit of revenge because that blinds you and distances you from the main objective, which is to be focused and committed," he said.
"We were also reduced to 10 men (because of the sending off of Shkodran Mustafi) and that conditioned the game for us, but our analysis of Espanyol does not come from that game, but from the last few matches at their stadium.
"They are a balanced team that is doing well at the moment. We want to take the initiative in the game, dominate the play and be alert to Espanyol's counter-attacks."
Valencia have centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and full-back Joao Cancelo suspended and midfielder Dani Parejo is an injury doubt, but Los Che are boosted by the return of Antonio Barragan, Pablo Piatti and Sofiane Feghouli.
Twenty-year-old goalkeeper Pau Lopez will deputise for Casilla and make his league debut for Espanyol, who will also be without midfielder Abraham Gonzalez, who has a torn muscle.
No comments:
Post a Comment