Gary Neville awaits Espanyol ‘electricity’ as Valencia look to move on

Los Che regained some pride at Mestalla, despite Wilfried Kaptoum’s late goal denying the young guns victory, resulting in the Englishman passionately turning his attentions to Saturday’s crunch encounter with Constantin Galca’s fellow underachievers.

“The biggest positive was the performance of some of the younger players,” he said after the game.

“We deserved to win. They were different circumstances, but we still played with dignity.

“[Ibrahim] Diallo and [Fran] Villaba played well, Alvaro scored his goal, we scored and circumstances were very difficult.

“I thought the best player on the night was Jaume [Domenech]. Diego [Alves] will only return when the time is right.

“[Negredo] is experienced. He scored a few goals before I arrived, and I’m glad he’s been scoring lately.

"I’m very happy with him and he’ll come in handy for our upcoming games."

Neville then began to reflect on what was ahead for the team, rather than dwell on the sub-par performances which had plagued his stint there.

"We’re already preparing for Saturday’s game. We know it’s important, so we’re completely focused on Espanyol.

“We wanted the team to be as fresh as possible for then.

“I’m grateful to the fans who came [on Wednesday]. Some didn’t and are within their rights [to have done so].

“Looking to Saturday, there will be an electric atmosphere and Mestalla will be full.

“We need the fans focused on the next game.”