The midfielder from Almería has highlighted the importance of the team being united as the year draws to a close
Villarreal CF midfielder Álex Baena appeared before the media on Wednesday to analyse the current state of play for the Yellow Submarine, who face Real Betis this Sunday:
Difficult moment for the team
‘It’s true that perhaps the bad patch has come at the worst time, because it means elimination from the cup and a defeat against a direct opponent, but we are a team and it’s now in the bad moments when we have to be more united, correct mistakes, keep working and between all of us get that positive dynamic that we’ve been having and look forward.”
Injuries
“It’s true that we’ve had the bad luck of having serious and long term injuries, but I think we have enough players in the squad and arguments to make up for those absences. It’s also normal that the loss of Gerard Moreno will be felt, because he’s one of our most important players, or that of Ayoze Pérez because he’s a great player. But we are the ones who are here and we have to win the games together.”
Responsibility in attack
“It’s true that in the end the focus is a little bit on me when it comes to attacking, but I think we have to play as a team, attack as a team and defend as a team, that’s how we achieve our objectives and how we manage to win games.”
Final sprint
“We have enough quality in the squad and sufficient talent to be able to be in fourth place. On Sunday we face a direct rival who we have to beat, and even more so at home. We have to make the most of our last remaining strength, because there are three very tough games, with one of them away from home. If we manage to win all three of them, we’ll have a big blow on the table.”
Next up: Real Betis
“Betis are in good form, putting in some very good performances. They have a great squad, especially in attack, with players of great quality like Gio and Isco. But on Sunday we have to look more at ourselves than at our opponents. At home I think we have to get as many points as possible and make a fortress at home.”
Fighting for the Champions League
“I think we have enough squad to be there and to be able to fight. A club like Villarreal deserves to be in Europe every year and, because of the way we’ve been going over the last few years, I think Villarreal deserve to be in the top four.”
A positive personal situation
“It’s true that I’m feeling very good. It’s also thanks to the team, although I think that since last year I’ve made a leap in maturity in terms of my game and in terms of myself, and I’m trying not to lower my level, but to raise it.”
