Gago: Valencia are obliged to go for Lille jugular

1 Oct 2012 15:35:00

The Argentina international is eager to rediscover winning ways in Europe when his side host the 2010-11 Ligue 1 champions on Tuesday

Fernando Gago is adamant that Valencia must get back to winning ways when they entertain Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Mauricio Pellegrino’s men have won two of their last three Liga matches, but lost 2-1 at Bayern Munich in their opening Champions League group stage clash.

They are yet to taste defeat at Mestalla this season and and the former Real Madrid midfielder revealed the team are eager to bounce back from their loss at the Allianz Arena.

“We hope to get back on the winning path,” he told reporters on Monday. “We have an obligation to go for a win and play well, ignoring the respective European experience of the teams.

“We have spoken to some of our team-mates - who previously played at Lille - but we all know them and we have seen them play on television.”

The French club surprisingly lost their first match of the continental tournament’s group stage, against BATE, and although they are struggling with injuries, Gago is certain they will pose a threat to his side.

“Lille have two important midfielders out injured but we have to think and play at the highest level.

“There is no extra pressure on me. My goal is to help the team and I don't think about whether I'll become more or less important for the team.”

Valencia will have to cope in defence without the likes of Adil Rami, Jeremy Mathieu and Ricardo Costa at home to LOSC, while Joao Pereira is also a doubt.