Nuno: 'Valencia must go step-by-step'

Valencia boss Nuno has insisted that in time his team will be able to challenge both Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.

Los Che won the Spanish title in 2004, but aside from Atletico Madrid's success last season, Spain's top flight has been dominated by both Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent years.

Under Nuno's stewardship, Valencia are enjoying a successful campaign, with 60 points from 28 games leaving them third in La Liga, above the champions Atletico and just four points behind second-place Real Madrid.

Nuno has admitted that as it stands "there is a big difference between the two big clubs and the rest", but believes that small steps in the right direction will help to close the gap.

"In Spain there is a big difference between the two big clubs and the rest. They are two champions. The players are aware of it and therefore we need time for them to believe we are going to get there," Nuno told AS.

"First we need to be in the Champions League and I think if the club's culture keeps growing in this way then next year it will be easier."

Valencia have won 18 of their 28 league games this season.