The Villarreal manager emphasised that the derby against Valencia was “very even”
El técnico del Villarreal CF, Javi Calleja, aseguró que el partido ante el Valencia CF fue muy igualado y que los dos equipos mostraron su versión más sólida en tareas defensivas: “Ha sido un partido muy igualado. Los dos equipos hicimos un trabajo serio. Nos faltó soltarnos un poco más en ataque y ser más valientes. Una vez que nos quedamos con uno más el equipo quiso ir a por la victoria con gente más por fuera. Nos pesó un poco los momentos. Íbamos, pero en el fondo lo que no queríamos era cometer errores. Atacamos, pero con cierto miedo a desorganizarnos”.
Villarreal coach, Javi Calleja, underlined that the match against Valencia was very even and that the two teams showed the best of themselves in defensive actions: “It was a very even match. The two teams were committed throughout. We needed to be a bit freer in attack and be braver. Once we were left with a numerical advantage on the pitch, the team wanted to go for the victory with players further up the pitch. But we found this difficult. We tried, but in the back of our minds, we didn’t want to make an error. We attacked, but with fear of leaving ourselves disorganised at the back.”
According to Calleja, the heat affected the game: “It was very hot and what’s more, both teams came into the game on the back of playing in European competitions. Some matches were changed and I think they need to look for solutions to play football under better conditions. I think that it’s harmful for the show we try to put on. This time, we suffered because of it.”
In respect to Ramiro Funes Mori’s performance, Calleja praised the Argentine, who carried on playing in midfield: “Funes Mori had a great game, he helped the team’s balance. It was a performance to take your hat off to because he isn’t used to play there, and he’s always ready. He was one of the rocks of the team.”
To conclude, Calleja pointed out what was his next objective: “We’re only thinking about Athletic Club now. This is a point against a big rival and I’m always an optimist. We would have liked to have scored a winner, but it wasn’t to be. We’re unbeaten in three matches and we hope to win in Bilbao.”
