Bielsa: Valencia will be unaffected by loss

Bielsa: Valencia will be unaffected by loss to PSG

Mar 9, 2013 12:50:00 AM

Ahead of their clash this weekend, the Athletic Bllbao boss believes Los Che will not be too downhearted after their midweek exit from the Champions League

Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa insists Valencia’s midweek result in the Champions League will have little impact on Sunday's match between the two sides.

Los Che drew 1-1 with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday but lost 3-2 on aggregate after a 2-1 home defeat in the first leg.

But Bielsa is adamant that their opponents will not be affected as the result is irrelevant, heading into the clash.

“The result against PSG is totally independent,” Bielsa told reporters.

“If they had won, then they would be motivated or relaxed and if they had lost, then they would be down, needing to bounce back and eager to defend their Champions League qualification hopes in the league.

“Any result provides arguments. In any case, victorious or not, they are an opponent with individuals and a team of the highest level.

“Would Valencia be tired going into this game? Teams are ready to play twice a week at the same pace, something they have been doing for the last five years.

“Valencia have been in Europe for the past five years, this is a habit for them, so they will not be affected.

“We will always try to impose our style of play regardless of whether our opponent is in better or worse condition to try and counter it."

Bielsa added that a win is important as his side look to both improve confidence within the squad and their lowly league position as they sit 14th, but he feels there are far more deeper issues that need resolving at the club.

He said: “If we get points this weekend then it softens our situation, and if we lose then it aggravates it. Neither winning nor losing at this time will fix what we are trying to solve.

“Feelings of optimism multiply with victory whilst in defeat it is otherwise. Winning is a must, for every time we fail, we suffer.”

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