Valencia chief Fernando Gomez insists they go into this season a far stronger team than last term.

Despite all their financial troubles, Gomez argues: "This squad is better than last year. We have improved on the wings, with the arrival of Jeremy Mathieu and Bruno Saltor, and in the goal with Moya.

"We have also managed to keep David Villa and David Silva.

"Also, I see the players with great enthusiasm after two years out of the Champions League and they have the motivation to do something this year."