Champions League

[monks data]

Champions League | Group Stage

Dec 9, 2015 at 7.45pm UK

Valencia
0-2
Lyon

FT(HT: 0-1)

Cornet (37'), Lacazette (76')

Gary Neville wants mix of playing styles with Valencia

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 08 December 2015

Valencia's new head coach Gary Neville believes that his side can be both possession-oriented and quick on the counter-attack under him.

New Valencia head coach Gary Neville has claimed that his side can be possession-oriented and also dangerous on the counter-attack under him.

Former England and Manchester United defender Neville was named as Los Che's new head coach last week, and his first match in charge will be tomorrow's crucial Champions League tie against Lyon.

He was not in charge for Saturday's La Liga clash with Barcelona, but watched his new side fight back to earn a point against the league leaders, halting Barca's six-game winning streak and becoming the first team in five games to score against the champions.

Speaking about holding Barca, Neville told reporters: "The players set the standard in terms of heart, endurance, spirit. [Luis] Suarez scored and their heads didn't go down. There were also moments of great technique."

When asked if Valencia would take the game to Lyon tomorrow or look to counter like they did against Barca, Neville said that they could do both.

He added: "I think there's a fascination with playing style these days. You asked Dani [Parejo] if we'll play possession or counter-attack. Can we not play both?

"I believe in possession, of course I do, but I also believe in counter-attack."

Valencia currently lie third in Group H, one point behind Gent in the race for the second qualification spot for the knockout stage. If they better the Belgian side's result against runaway leaders Zenit St Petersburg they will advance to the last 16.