Valencia coach Albert Celades cannot explain their injury crisis, but assures they will “use all the weapons at our disposal to defuse the goal bomb that is Atalanta.”

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.

Los Che made the trip without Alessandro Florenzi, Ezequiel Garay, Gabriel Paulista, Francis Coquelin, Rodrigo, Manu Vallejo and Cristiano Piccini.

“Unfortunately, we are accustomed to injuries by now,” said Celades in his press conference.

Valencia coach Albert Celades cannot explain their injury crisis, but assures they will “use all the weapons at our disposal to defuse the goal bomb that is Atalanta.”

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.

Los Che made the trip without Alessandro Florenzi, Ezequiel Garay, Gabriel Paulista, Francis Coquelin, Rodrigo, Manu Vallejo and Cristiano Piccini.

“Unfortunately, we are accustomed to injuries by now,” said Celades in his press conference.

“We have asked ourselves every question, explored every hypothesis and every doubt. We’re only in February and already had eight injuries this year, so we’ve asked ourselves more than once if this might be an issue with our training.

“It’s a pity for those who won’t get to play a Champions League last 16 tie at San Siro. We have a great squad at our disposal nonetheless and are up against the best strike force in Serie A.”

Alessandro Florenzi hasn’t made the journey either, as the former Roma captain has come down with chickenpox.

“He arrived, played, scored against Celta Vigo a few days later, adapted really well, so nobody saw this coming. It’s one disaster after another. He needs rest, but a player like him brings quality and experience.”

This is the first ever Champions League experience for Atalanta and they are in the knockout rounds.

“Atalanta’s season has been simply remarkable, they really enjoy their football and play without inhibitions. We lost the ball many times in defence lately, so we have discussed that.

“We will try to use all the weapons at our disposal to defuse the goal bomb that is Atalanta.”

Valencia have just one point from their last three competitive games, including defeats away to Granada and Getafe.

“We haven’t been doing very well on our travels lately, but in the Champions League we won away to Ajax and Chelsea, so we hope to continue that trend instead.

“I thank the fans and it’s also thanks to them that we are here. It makes the difference when they are in the stands. I hope they can enjoy the game, because Valencia have not played in the Champions League Round of 16 for many years.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector