21 November 2006, by Sean Gillen

Miguel expects upturn in Valencia’s fortunes

Injury-hit Spaniards aiming to arrest slump in form

Portuguese defender Miguel admits that his Valencia side are struggling to cope with a lengthy injury list, but is looking forward to the upcoming games against Olympiakos and Real Madrid to get their season back on track.

With the current list of casualties at the Mestalla including David Albelda, Asier Del Horno, Mario Regueiro, Emiliano Moretti and Carlos Marchena among others, Los Ches have hit an alarming run of poor form, culminating in a heavy 3-0 loss to Sevilla at the weekend.

To make matters worse, Brazilian midfielder Edu suffered a serious knee injury in the defeat, and has been ruled out for over six months. The team have now gone five games without a win in all competitions, and Miguel concedes that his side are feeling the effects.

“Everything is happening to us. This weekend another team-mate was injured and it has been very difficult for us, but as professionals and as a group it is necessary to continue working and to think about surpassing it,” said the former Benfica man.

“The last three or four months have been complicated by many injuries. We try not to think about it but it is impossible. I try not to think that it could also happen to me, so far it hasn’t affected me and I hope it doesn’t.”

“We are passing through a poor phase but we are hoping to overcome it.”

Valencia currently sit in 8th place in La Liga, eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona. However, Miguel’s men have the chance to repair some of the damage in the coming week, with a Champions League tie against Olympiakos followed by a home clash with Real Madrid next Sunday.

Miguel hopes that a win in midweek against the Greeks will give the team a much needed boost before entertaining Los Merengues: “With Olympiakos it is necessary to go into the match with the aggressiveness with which we started against Seville, but with a little more calmness and we must always respect the other team.”

“We must play well and win to take confidence into the next match with Real Madrid.”

“Even though we are still at the beginning of the league we are some points back. This Sunday, playing at home, we must do everything to win against Real Madrid and raise morale. We have quality in the side in spite of the injuries. We expect to beat Madrid.”