Valencia president Layhoon Chan feels their clearout over the past year has benefited the club.

Los Che have exceeded expectations this season with coach Ruben Baraja managing a young team.

Layhoon said: "We all want a big Valencia CF that wins many games. However, we have learned from last season and from LaLiga that a high staff cost does not necessarily guarantee good results. So what is the true value of a squad? Is a lower workforce cost necessarily at odds with being competitive? Does that mean that these players will feel less proud to play for Valencia CF?

"For me it is important to observe the profile and performance of the players and, as a team, to see what their performance capacity is. I can say that for us getting rid of several high-cost players in the summer has not harmed us at a competitive level and has been an opportunity to clean up the locker room. Today we have a united, committed team that identifies with the values of the Club and also in the values instilled by our coach, Baraja.

"No one better than Baraja knows what it takes to represent this Club and to create a Valencia CF with a strong identity, which is feared and respected by our rivals. We made the decision to bet on him with total and absolute confidence that he could lead us and that is why we have committed to him for two seasons. He has unleashed the potential of our players, both young and old, to work hard to achieve goals.

"The season is long and very demanding, but I want to highlight the bravery and hard work of our players. They are doing a great job. Despite the recent defeats, we must continue to encourage them. They are young and need the support of all of us, especially our fans, to win more games."