Valdez: Too much respect for Bayern

Striker Nelson Haedo Valdez has delivered a scathing assessment of Valencia's performance against Bayern Munich last night.

The Paraguayan forward scored Los Che's only goal as they went down 2-1 to the German giants in their Champions League opener in Bavaria. And the former Borussia Dortmund forward has conceded that they paid too much regard to their hosts reputation.

“We respected Bayern more than they deserved,” Valdez told Super Deporte. “We gave away possession too easily, and when you lose the ball against a team of their level, you pay.

“It's clear that we have much to improve on if we're to be at their level. We wanted to play our own game, but we knew they were favourites. We should have harmed them more.

“The team is young, so we just need to forget this defeat and start on a new page. We need to think about Sunday's game against Real Mallorca now.”

The 28-year-old on-loan from Rubin Kazan also remarking on his position within the squad, and his chances of breaking up the Roberto Soldado Jonas strike partnership.

“I was pleased with my goal, but I don't think it will mean a start on Sunday. The pairing between Soldado and Jonas is a good one.

“But, whenever I get an opportunity, I just hope to do my best to help the team.”