Albelda hoping to contain Genoa

Valencia midfielder David Albelda feels his side need to learn to contain their opponents if they are to rediscover their early-season form.

Valencia go into Thursday’s Europa League Group B match against Genoa having slightly lost their way following a successful start to the season – something which can also be said of their opponents.

After defeating Stabaek 7-1 over two legs in Europe, Unai Emery’s men then won their opening two league games with a 2-0 triumph over Sevilla – who have subsequently won six on the trot – and a 4-2 victory against Real Valladolid.

Since then though, Los Che have failed to win in any of their four outings, drawing with Sporting Gijon and Atletico Madrid and losing to Getafe in La Liga, while also drawing their opening Europa League match at Lille 1-1.

Valencia have had no problems scoring goals, netting 19 in those eight domestic and European games, but they have only kept two clean sheets during that time, and veteran midfielder Albelda admits that is something they need to address.

“I think that we need to improve the overall defensive system. We need to continue working on the training ground and search for the balance between attack and defence,” he said.

“The team are very good when they have the ball and attack, but struggle to control counter-attacks.”

Albelda is expecting a tough evening tomorrow, and he said: “They (Genoa) are well-known opponents who are going very well in the Italian league.

“They are one of those sides who, although you haven’t faced them, you know about them.

“They have (Emiliano) Moretti, (Alberto) Zapater and Hernan Crespo and we know that they have quality and they are not going to be easy opponents.”

Genoa, though, have also seen a promising start to their domestic campaign fade after claiming just one point from their last three matches.

Grifoni striker Rodrigo Palacio admits the team have struggled of late and says Valencia will be clear favourites at the Mestalla.

“Valencia are favourites,” said Palacio, whose side won their opening Group B clash 2-0 against Slavia Prague. “It’s pointless to think otherwise.

“We know this is the most difficult match we face against a team that is strong and that has a lot of international experience.

“It is nevertheless going to be stimulating for us to play in front of 50,000 fans although I’m sure our supporters will make some noise too.

“We know we face a big challenge as Valencia are favourites to finish first in the group.

“But we will do everything we can to take home a positive result.”

Gian Piero Gasperini’s men will have to overcome the absence of injured defenders Giuseppe Biava and Domenico Criscito, both sustaining injuries during last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Udinese.