Calleja expects an intense and even encounter against a side that are “dangerous on second plays”
The Villarreal Manager, Javi Calleja, was very positive about his team’s work over the league break: “We’ve worked really hard over the last two weeks, trying to brush up on some parts of our game to enable us to pick up our first win at a ground as difficult to play at as that of Leganés. The truth is that I see the team is mentally ready and very confident, wishing the match was here already”.
The Yellows boss was also eager to get the first win of the season: “I think, apart from at certain moments, our performances have been good enough for us to have won more points than we have up until now. Every match is extremely equal, but we have to have absolute confidence in what we can do. Now we’re eager to pick up three points to confirm the good work the players are doing on the pitch”.
Nevertheless, Calleja is aware that the match against CD Leganés will be of great intensity: “It’s really tough to pick up points at a stadium like Butarque. We know they are going to push us to the limit because they’re a very intense side, who don’t give up on any ball, who run a lot and make you work to your max. They’re also good in specific situations such as second plays. For that reason, we have to put in an all-round good performance, both on the ball and at either end of the pitch, as well as being very effective”.
What’s more, the Manager confirmed that Chilean midfielder Manuel Iturra is fully available: “Santi Cáseres is a significant loss, because he’s a player with characteristics that are difficult to replace. We place maximum importance on keeping the ball and we need a centre midfield that knows how to read the game. Therefore, the arrival of Iturra is going to help us. He’s adapting well and is available to play the minutes we need him to”.
