Racing de Santander vs Levante preview - Cuper: We must show opponents respect

Racing nearly got off to a flying start in the opening game of the season but eventually succumbed to two late goals in a 4-3 defeat away to Valencia.

Despite that, though, manager Hector Cuper has been irked by the suggestion that his side's clash with Levante is already a relegation six-pointer.

"I am a manager in one league, the Spanish league, where everyone has to play against all the teams," he said.

"To speak of our league (the group of teams expected to be fighting for relegation) is to automatically put ourselves and Levante in the relegation positions and that shows a lack of respect.

"Levante are a good side and I don't see why it should be an easier match than against Valencia."

On a brighter note for Cuper he will have several senior players available for the game that did not make the Valencia match.

Ariel Nahuelpan, Francis and Christian Stuani have returned from a mixture of injury and suspension, while Bernardo and Alexandros Tziolis are in line to make their debuts.

However, Marc Torrejon and Kennedy Bakirciogl| are serious injury doubts and Gonzalo Colsa will definitely miss the game.

Levante manager Juan Ignacio Martmnez was in a happier mood in particular because the transfer window has now closed and he can concentrate on trying to survive in the Primera with a settled squad.

"In life you can improve on everything, but we are very happy because Levante always has to look carefully at the options in the transfer market," he said.

"We are delighted with the group we have and now with them we have to get the points necessary to survive."

Levante's headline signing of the summer was striker Arouna Kone and Martinez is expected to give the Ivorian his debut in a new system with Jose Barkero playing as a second striker.