Valencia v Barcelona preview: Nani eyes shock against La Liga champions
Friday 21 October 2016 15:52, UK
Nani insists Valencia must believe victory is possible when La Liga champions Barcelona visit the Mestalla on Saturday.
Barca ruined Pep Guardiola's return to the Nou Camp when they thrashed Manchester City 4-0 in the Champions League in midweek, but their domestic form has been less emphatic and they sit fourth in the table after eight games.
They are heavy favourites to topple Valencia, however, and Nani knows the struggling hosts must take their chances count if they are to cause an upset.
"We have good players and if we are united then anything can happen," Nani said at press conference.
"If we do things right on the pitch and work hard, then we can do something very nice. We are going to try.
"The key to the game is being able to hold on and when we get an opportunity, finish it off well.
"It is a special game for us and our fans, who will be excited that we can win.
"We always have the hope of having a good game when we play at home. There is the desire to secure a good victory."
Valencia have lost five of their eight league games this season, resulting in Pako Ayestaran's sacking and the appointment of Cesare Prandelli as his replacement in a bid to lift the club up the table.
If we do things right on the pitch and work hard, then we can do something very nice. We are going to try.
"The new coach has shown that he works well and has good ideas for play," said Nani, who has recovered from a muscle strain in his right leg.
"This was demonstrated in the last game. We will try to do what he asks of us and do it well."
Barca's rout of City was marred by the loss of defenders Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique to injury.
Alba has a hamstring strain and is expected to be out for a fortnight, while Pique has an ankle problem and will missing for three weeks.
"Whether Pique or Alba play for Barcelona or not, we have to approach the game in the same way," Nani added.
"I don't think anything is going to change, because Barcelona aren't just two players."
Barcelona have received a boost with the news that Luis Suarez wants to end his career at the club for which he has so far scored 93 goals in 109 games.
"I hope I can finish my career at Barca," the former Liverpool striker said. "I have fought a lot in my life and since coming to Barca. I am trying to enjoy it, be happy and win trophies.
"I have magnificent team-mates who make it easy for me, but I don't want to take anything away from myself, you still have to score."
