Koeman: Defeat Was A Sideways Step

The Dutchman was hoping to avenge their opening day defeat by the Yellow Submarine, but instead saw Los Ché fall by the same scoreline.

Robert Pirès put the home team ahead in the opening minutes and Joan Capdevila and Nihat added two more after the break to put the result beyond doubt.

"They were the better team and we have to accept that," Koeman said.

"After they scored their first, they played their game and we did not create anything of danger.

"They caused us a lot of problems with their counter-attack. When they scored their second, after half-time, it was all over."

Koeman is still rebuilding at Valencia and did not view the defeat as a setback to his ambitions, which he said in the build-up included a top four finish.

"It was not a step backwards, but it was certainly a step to the side," he continued.

"The team is capable of more, but not in this hame. Villarreal were the better side, they were more of a team and we have to accept that and look to improve."