|
|
Antonio Valencia claims Champions League & League Cup exits have inspired Manchester United to do better
Failing to progress past the group phase of the competition of which they reached the final last season has particularly focused the squad, says the 26-year-old Ecuadorian
29 Dec 2011 09:37:00
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia says that the club’s shock exits from the Champions League and League Cup have inspired the players to improve.
The Red Devils failed to progress from Group C of the top European competition, losing out to Benfica and Basel, while Championship side Crystal Palace dumped them out of the domestic cup in November.
However, they have enjoyed an upswing in form of late, with consecutive 5-0 wins in the Premier League, and Valencia told reporters: “Those defeats have really focused our minds.
“I suppose both results were unexpected, certainly the defeat in the League Cup was a huge shock.
“The biggest blow is the Champions League because we're a big club and we're expected to be fighting to win the competition, not just qualify from the group.
“We reached the final last season and it hurts to go out so early but we're using that hurt.
“The group now tries harder in training and we're going into games with a determined attitude because we've got to win something, whether it is the Premier League, Europa League or FA Cup. We have to make sure we are involved in those trophies and we have a renewed focus.
“The important thing is that we keep on picking up points and building the momentum.”
Some observers have suggested that the key factors behind United’s recent improvement has been the form of forward Wayne Rooney and that of Valencia himself, but the Ecuador international played down the individual praise.
“It's not just Wayne and myself, it's more a case that as a squad we bring the best out of each other. We all push in the same direction to help each other,” the 26-year-old reasoned.
“Wayne's been at a good level all season, really on top form and he's showing how valuable he is.
“Wayne gives the ball quickly, so it gives you the chance to be quicker and act sharper yourself.”
Having won their last four Premier League matches since dropping out of the Champions League, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one in that time, United now prepare to face struggling Blackburn at home on December 31.
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
The Red Devils failed to progress from Group C of the top European competition, losing out to Benfica and Basel, while Championship side Crystal Palace dumped them out of the domestic cup in November.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
However, they have enjoyed an upswing in form of late, with consecutive 5-0 wins in the Premier League, and Valencia told reporters: “Those defeats have really focused our minds.
“I suppose both results were unexpected, certainly the defeat in the League Cup was a huge shock.
“The biggest blow is the Champions League because we're a big club and we're expected to be fighting to win the competition, not just qualify from the group.
“We reached the final last season and it hurts to go out so early but we're using that hurt.
“The group now tries harder in training and we're going into games with a determined attitude because we've got to win something, whether it is the Premier League, Europa League or FA Cup. We have to make sure we are involved in those trophies and we have a renewed focus.
“The important thing is that we keep on picking up points and building the momentum.”
Some observers have suggested that the key factors behind United’s recent improvement has been the form of forward Wayne Rooney and that of Valencia himself, but the Ecuador international played down the individual praise.
“It's not just Wayne and myself, it's more a case that as a squad we bring the best out of each other. We all push in the same direction to help each other,” the 26-year-old reasoned.
“Wayne's been at a good level all season, really on top form and he's showing how valuable he is.
“Wayne gives the ball quickly, so it gives you the chance to be quicker and act sharper yourself.”
Having won their last four Premier League matches since dropping out of the Champions League, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one in that time, United now prepare to face struggling Blackburn at home on December 31.
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
