The Yellows boss is expecting his team to put in a complete performance and be effective at Mestalla
Villarreal manager Javi Calleja appeared in front of the media in an official press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League quarter-final tie with Valencia. The Yellows boss recognised the difficulty in getting through to the next round, but did not throw in the towel: “In the first leg, we came away with a bad result. The tie is difficult, but not impossible. We have a lot to win and nothing to lose. We are going to defend our shirt with pride and try and pull off a great feat.”
To try and achieve that, the Yellows head coach is backing his side to be effective and to try and score from the first minute: “The team is playing well and making chances. In the first leg, we put in a complete performance until the final few minutes. To win at Mestalla, we need to put in an impeccable match and be effective in the final third.”
Furthermore, Calleja praised Valencia’s level, and said he expects them to be focused and aware that anything is possible in football: “Valencia are a quality side that defend well. We’re expecting a conservative opponent who will try and make the most of our errors and will try and slow down the game. They’re not relaxed. In football, anything can happen, and they know that.”
Trigueros: “We’re capable of winning at Mestalla”
Villarreal midfielder Manu Trigueros underlined that the team will step onto the Mestalla pitch with the intention of making life uncomfortable for the home side. “We know they came away from the first leg with a convincing result. In football, everything is possible. What you expect to happen doesn’t always happen. We’re going into the game with the idea of playing well and making Valencia extremely uncomfortable. We want to be ourselves and get confidence ahead of the future. Despite it being difficult, we are capable of beating them.”
The Yellows No.14, who has now recovered from injury, showed his excitement at being able to help the team on the pitch. “I’m excited to be able to give 100% once more. What we’re playing at the moment is the most important moment of the season.”
