Football
ESPN staff 8y

Shkodran Mustafi 'not for sale' says Valencia coach Pako Ayestaran

After losing their first La Liga encounter 4-2 to Las Palmas at home on Monday, Valencia coach Pako Ayestaran has vowed to keep Shkodran Mustafi at the club despite interest from Arsenal.

Santi Mina's brace was not enough to stop the visitors from snatching three points, in what was a topsy-turvy game of poor defending.

Immediately after the game, Ayestaran hinted that he is still looking to bring in new players, while German international defender Mustafi and striker Paco Alcacer will not leave the club during this transfer window.

"Mustafi is not for sale and he will stay at VCF," he told reporters. "The market is open and there are still possibilities.

"With Alcacer, I can be as firm as with Mustafi, [club president] Lay Hoon already said it.

"The president has said in public that Alcacer and Mustafi are not for sale and I have to believe her."

Shkodran Mustafi at the club.">

As for losing the first league game of the season, Ayestaran is confident his charges will come good as the season progresses.

"I am sad and disappointed by the result but satisfied by the performance of the team, it is difficult to play better," he added.

"Their [Las Palmas] effectiveness has been better than normal. The grade has been fairly good for the team, we had chances to win the match but we were not accurate.

"I want the team to have identity and that it is noticeable. I am very satisfied and convinced that if we are able to maintain this level and correct the mistakes, then the team will be up there."

Valencia have a chance to get their first win of the season when they travel to Eibar on Sunday.

^ Back to Top ^