Valencia vs Getafe preview - Valverde wants Valencia response

Posted Friday, December 21, 2012 by PA

Valencia coach Ernesto Valverde knows his side must bounce back immediately from last week's surprise defeat by Rayo Vallecano when they play their final game of the year against Getafe.

Alejandro Dominguez's late penalty condemned Valencia to a 1-0 defeat at the Mestalla last time out as Valverde suffered his first defeat after being appointed manager.

After he replaced Mauricio Pellegrino, Valverde guided the team to three successive away wins in the the Copa del Rey, Primera Division and the Champions League.

However, they have not won consecutive Primera Division games this season and Valverde wants an immediate response.

He told Marca.com: "It is a very important game.

"We have a greater need for victory as we lost the other day at home.

"Getafe are having a good season, they are an organised team, with dangerous front players."

He is still aiming for a Champions League spot with the team seven points off fourth place, which would see them qualify for Europe's premier competition.

Valverde have also called on his team to mirror their defensive improvement in attack.

"For whatever reason, Valencia had conceded a lot of goals and it was something that we had to address," he added.

"We had to start from the bottom, work closer together and not give away so many chances.

"We have been better in that respect and I am pleased that we are good, but we can not rest on our laurels."

Getafe start the match in seventh, three points and four places ahead of their hosts.

In their last match, Diego Castro's penalty deep into stoppage time salvaged a 1-1 draw against Osasuna in a game desperately lacking in quality at the Alfonso Perez Coliseum.

They have won three and lost three of their games on their travels.