Koeman Praises Defensive Display

Ronald Koeman praised his defence for ensuring that Valencia won their first away game of his stewardship at Real Valladolid, but said that there would no euphoria.

After a poor first half, goals from Juan Mata and David Villa gave los Ché all three points in a wet and windy José Zorilla Stadium.

The two goals will take the headlines, but the Valencia back four and keeper Timo Hildebrand played well to keep the home side at bay.

"We worked very hard at the back despite the game being made very difficult by the wind and the rain," Koeman said.

"In the second half we created more chances and after going 1-0 ahead we have defended well, showed calmness and controlled the game."

Koeman's job could have been on the line had his side not triumphed against Valladolid, but he thinks that it was clear to see his plans are beginning to work.

"The key was the attitude as the players now appear to be happy," he continued.

"They have had to suffer and now we have won and that will make us relax able to win more points and games.

"We have to not become elated and continue to work because we still have to improve a lot."