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Group B
Kick-off: 19:45 (BST)
Newly-appointed Valencia coach Ronald Koeman takes charge of Valencia for the first time at home to Rosenborg– promising few changes to a team which has struggled thus far in their European campaign.
Koeman resigned as PSV Eindhoven boss to succeed Quique Sánchez Flores last week. It was Valencia’s 2-0 defeat at Rosenborg two weeks ago, swiftly that hastened the departure of Flores. Domestically, things look better for Valencia, especially following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Real Mallorca.
“I’ve told the players that they don’t have to change much because that result has given them more security than they had before,” said Koeman. “We have spoken about what we think are the most important things, and we’ve been preparing our tactics and our mentality. We are playing at home, and at home Valencia have to win.”
“As a player I liked to be comfortable on the pitch and together we have to agree on a system of play,” he said. “During the match I like the players to be in charge. It’s important to have leaders, both on the pitch and in the club.”
Although Santiago Canizares, Carlos Marchena and Ruben Baraja remain sidelined, with Alexis joining them on the injury list at the weekend, David Villa’s return from an ankle problem is a boost.
Despite the injury problems, Koeman remains confident his side can cope with the challenge of Rosenborg.
“We have quality in midfield and also lots of quality in front of goal,” Koeman continued. “We also have to play as a team. I’m looking for balance.”
Rosenborg are under new management too, with Trond Henriksen replacing Knut Torum who left the day after the Valencia victory.
“We surprised Valencia and we have improved since then, but they will be more alert now and it will be a more difficult game,” said Henriksen.
“Valencia are one of the best home sides in Europe so to get a point here wouldn’t be bad, but we have come to win,” added Henriksen, who had been assisting Tørum before his departure.
“They said when the draw was made that this was the toughest group, and after three matches we have only had half a bad match [at home against FC Schalke 04]. We have two away games now and we are trying to see if there’s a chance to progress from the group.”
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