Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo breathed a huge sigh of relief as

Los Che clung on to record a nervy 1-0 over Granada on Friday.

The Portuguese coach’s future in the job has been questioned after a

poor start to the campaign that had seen Valencia take just five points

from their opening five games.

However, a more positive performance from the hosts was rewarded by

Shkodran Mustafi’s first-half winner as the German international powered

home a header from Zakaria Bakali’s cross.

“I continue to believe we are a team that has to work hard. We can’t win games easily,” Mustafi told Canal Plus.

“Every team that comes here play at 120 percent. All we could to do today was win and that is what we did.”

Valencia were still grateful to a brilliant save from goalkeeper

Jaume Domenech from Ruben Rochina’s free-kick to go in ahead at

half-time.

However, the home side should have added to their lead in the

second-half as Paco Alcacer headed over, was denied by a fine save from

Andres Fernandez and saw a goal marginally ruled out for offside.

Victory moves Valencia up to sixth, four points behind leaders Real Madrid, Celta Vigo and Villarreal.

Madrid and Barcelona are both in action on Saturday when they host Malaga and Las Palmas respectively.