Koeman takes positives from fall

Valencia CF coach Ronald Koeman attempted to put a brave face on his team's exit from the UEFA Champions League by declaring that in spite of David Albelda's 32nd-minute dismissal, their second-half performance in the goalless draw with FC Schalke 04 was one of their best for some time. Opposite number Mirko Slomka was in the happier position of knowing that his team can still make progress but does not want to think too far ahead, preferring to concentrate on their final group fixture at home to Rosenborg BK, which they must win.

Ronald Koeman, Valencia coach
The second-half performance was one of the best the team has given this season. The only thing we didn’t do was score a goal. It was hard going down to ten men but despite that we still had three good chances to Schalke's two. Hopefully we can now go on in the UEFA Cup. If so we will carry on fighting and give our all in the competition. It would never be the case that we would be satisfied concentrating on the league.

Mirko Slomka, Schalke coach
It's a good result for us. We put together some good attacks and had chances but we were unable to take them. The game changed at the end. We had opportunities to counterattack but at the same time we had to be careful because we know that Valencia are dangerous. After the red card I felt that we were able to use the extra space well. At the moment I am not thinking about going through to the next round, though. I will watch tonight's game again and then decide how we go about facing Rosenborg in our last game. Hopefully we will be courageous in attack and nice and calm at the back.