Final beckons for Valencia, says Emery

Valencia coach Unai Emery has described Tuesday’s Champions League Group E encounter with Chelsea as a ‘final’.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the match, the 40-year-old said the La Liga club was ready for the match. A win at Stamford Bridge for either side sends them through, while a score draw is enough for Valencia and a goalless draw will take Chelsea through unless Bayer Leverkusen lose to Genk in Group E’s other match.

“My team will participate in a final. It will be a meeting of equality. What will really decide the match will be who imposes their style greatest. I will ensure that my players who take the field will do so with only the idea of winning,” Emery said.

“Chelsea will have the advantage of its fans at home and will be forced to give their best, but we have a good mental preparation. We have to make the best of our opportunities.”

Emery also had words of encouragement for opposite number Andre Villas-Boas, who has come under fire after Chelsea suffered five losses in his last 10 games at the helm.

The former Almeria man – who has led Valencia to third on the La Liga season – insists patience is required if Villas-Boas is to oversee a successful reign.

“Andre has a short but well-recognised track record. He has just arrived at a big club and is yet to impose his authority and style, but I’m sure that his work will gradually become very good,” Emery said.

“Chelsea are a great team, but I don’t want to find that out now. They have endured some hesitation (recently), but the last game was won decisively.”