Costa: No crisis at Valencia

Tino Costa believes Valencia have put their disastrous 3-3 draw with Osasuna behind them after beating Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Valencia threw away a two-goal lead to drop points at home to Osasuna two rounds ago, leading to speculation of a rift among the playing squad and coaching staff.

Costa, on the scoresheet as the team won 2-1 at Estadio Anoeta, rejects the notion that the club was on the verge of a crisis before the victory.

“Drawing a game the way that we did at home to Osasuna supposedly creates a bit of unrest, but the team and the staff were going about their work very calmly,” Costa said.

“I think that we showed this yesterday.”

Costa appeared to be struggling with an injury during the match in San Sebastian, but the midfielder is confident of being available for Valencia’s Copa del Rey tie against Villarreal on Tuesday.

“I think that I will be ready for the next game. I felt a little sore at the end of the first half, but nothing too painful. We are working on getting me fit for Tuesday. I hope to be available for the manager to make his own choice,” he said.

While Valencia have surprised many with some competitive performances despite losing David Silva and David Villa during the off-season, doubts remain about their ability to sustain a challenge on multiple fronts in 2011.

Costa prefers not to look too far ahead and insists the team will treat every match on its individual merits.

“I think that we take things game by game and the competitions likewise,” he said.

“On Tuesday we have the Copa del Rey and we will be doing everything that we can to win and to go through.”

“When we have a league game then we will go out to win and to be at the top of the table. We’ve also got Champions League games and we want to get through to the quarter-finals. We have to take things seriously in whatever competition.”