Valencia vs Zaragoza preview - Jimenez wants repeat performance

Posted Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by PA

Real Zaragoza coach Manuel Jimenez wants more of the same from his team as they bid to upset the odds against high-flying Valencia.

Rock-bottom Zaragoza are eight points adrift of safety at the foot of La Liga, but an upset victory at the Mestalla could dramatically alter their outlook as they head into the crucial run-in.

Jimenez was pleased with the efforts of his players in their 1-1 draw against Osasuna at the weekend, and now wants a repeat in Valencia.

"Every game is important and right now the most important one is tomorrow against Valencia," he said.

"They are a great team and they are showing their strength in the fight for third place.

"But why can we not win? If we can get a good start like we did against Real Madrid (where Zaragoza led before losing 3-1) we can play at the same level as Valencia.

"But the team will need to show the same attitude as they did in the last match against Osasuna."

Valencia go into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, a win that came on the back of draws against Real Mallorca and PSV Eindhoven, and coach Umai Emery was delighted to get three points once again.

"This win was a real confidence boost," he said. "We will now focus on recovering for Wednesday's game."

The win gives Valencia a six-point cushion above fourth-placed Levante as they look to hang on to the last automatic qualifying place for the Champions League.