Valencia head coach Nuno Espirito Santo dreaming of the Champions League as club prepare for showdown with Atletico Madrid
- Valencia are fourth in La Liga, one point behind Atletico ahead of clash
- Nuno Espirito Santo is dreaming of playing against football’s elite
- The club are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has revealed he is dreaming of taking Valencia back to the Champions League as his side prepare to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday in the battle for third.
Los Che have won seven of their last eight La Liga matches to keep pace with Diego Simeone’s side and can leapfrog their opponents with victory this weekend.
Atletico drew 0-0 with Sevilla last week to leave Valencia, who won 2-0 at Real Sociedad, just one point behind on 53 ahead of their showdown at the Calderon.
Valencia head coach Nuno Espirito Santo patrols the touchline during the recent match with Real Sociedad
Under pragmatic coach Nuno Valencia have the second meanest defence in the top flight behind Barcelona, having conceded just 21 goals.
‘Our concept of playing is clear for everyone to see. We are the team which runs most and wins back most balls in the opposition half,’ Nuno told Marca.
‘(My dream) is to see Valencia competing with the best clubs in the world. To be in the elite.’
Before Lim’s arrival, Valencia were a debt-ridden club who sold their best players, but are now building for the future.
Pablo Piatti scored a brace to sink David Moyes’ side and keep Valencia on course for Champions League
‘They (the players) have been able to overcome the problematic situation that the club was in before and I find myself with a team that is completely willing and with a lot of drive,’ Nuno said.
‘All I do is challenge the players to push themselves to their limit.’
Lim, who was linked with other clubs including Atletico Madrid prior to buying Valencia, has always sought to keep himself out of the limelight.
‘He is someone who knows a lot about football,’ Nuno said.
The Valencia players celebrate during the win against Sociedad, their fifth consecutive victory
‘He watches a lot of football including all Valencia’s matches even though they are at crazy times for him in his country. He enjoys them and has his opinions.’
Lim hopes to build a team capable of winning the Champions League and Nuno says the future is bright.
‘We have the youngest squad in the league who haven’t yet realised their potential and this gives me a lot of optimism.’