Valencia claim Emirates Cup, with victory against Benfica

Valencia win the 2014 edition of the Emirates Cup, hosted by Arsenal in London.
(Image via: valenciacf.com)

 Valencia claimed the Emirates Cup on Sunday, having beaten Benfica and held Monaco on Saturday.

Encouraging performances and a taste for silverware, albeit in a friendly tournament, were positive outcomes for Valencia and their participation in the Emirates Cup this weekend.

At the tournament hosted by Arsenal, Valencia followed up Saturday’s entertaining 2-2 draw against Monaco, with a well-earned 3-1 victory against Benfica, thanks to goals from Gayà, Piatti and Guardado. The new orange kits certainly seemed to do the trick for Valencia, who had to make a comeback, having gone a goal behind.

Valencia manager Nuno Espírito Santo was delighted with the image his team presented, praising the character of his players, given the gruelling pre-season schedule, whilst confident of their chances ahead of this season’s campaign in La Liga.

Argentine defender Nicolás Otamendi believes winning the Emirates Cup is an important step in the progress of his team, happy with his own progress during pre-season.

“It was very positive and we gained a lot of rhythm to our play, which was important for us. You don’t get to play games like this all the time and obviously, so they help us get into the sort of rhythm we need. I’ve been fortunate to participate in all the friendlies Valencia have played so far. I’m happy for the team and hopefully we’ll carry on like this.”

“Obviously these are just friendly games, but you have to take them with a sense of responsibility. This afternoon we tried to take it the best way we possibly could. We’ve still got to work on correcting any mistakes we make, but I think we’re on the right track.”

Andrés Guardado was also happy with his goal and contribution, having played in a more advanced role.

“I had a little luck, but it’s always important to be in the right positions and beyond the goal, I’m happy to be contributing to the team, getting more minutes and for the team winning is important, as it backs up all the work we’re doing.”

“Nuno asked me to play in the same position I played in with Mexico at the World Cup. It’s a role I feel comfortable with and it’s not that I don’t like playing at full-back, but it allows me to offer more when we’re going forward. I gained a lot of confidence playing the same role at the World Cup and I’ll try to offer the team all I can, to get as many minutes as I can.”

Guardado was a little more reserved when it comes to his future at Valencia, suggesting that he’s keen to stay, but doesn’t yet know what will happen for him before the end of the summer.

“At the moment there isn’t anything done. I’m keen to play here and get minutes, but in the end, you’re not always in control of your destiny and we’ll have to wait and see.”