The midfielder has underlined the strength of the team as a group ahead of the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals (Wednesday, 9pm CEST)
Dani Parejo appeared in front of the media ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at Anfield (Wednesday, 9pm CEST). The midfielder is aware that the squad is part of Villarreal history and wanted to express that. Here are the standout quotes from the playmaker:
Competing in Anfield
“We’re going into the game excited and keen to go into a semi-final against an opposition who, at the moment, are the most in-form team around. After having the experience of knocking out two big teams, we have the responsibility of going there to compete.”
Strength in defending well
“We have all the confidence in the world. After winning the Europa League without losing a game, and the trajectory we’ve had in the Champions League so far with the mental and physical demands that come with it, we’re calm. We’re good individually, but our great strength is our togetherness as a team. We’ve gained experience on how to compete against teams like them and how to manage each moment of the game. We’re a trustworthy team like that.”
The results of a long-term project
“We made history by winning our first European title and this year reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second time in the club’s history. It’s not a coincidence. When a club, since it was taken over by the Roig family, with José Manuel Llaneza, has played in European competitions for so many years and has achieved so much in so few years, it’s down to hard work, stability, and trust in a project.”
The atmosphere in a historic stadium
“We’re going to a historic ground, a special ground where there is an amazing atmosphere. I understand that in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, you will experience the best atmosphere possible. We will try and put the focus on the pitch and not worry about the fans. We need to focus on our game and our plan.”
A record number of fans travelling in Europe
“We’re very grateful to the fans. They are also part of Villarreal playing in the Champions League semi-finals. I like to think of the people who went to Atalanta’s ground in the group stage, when the match was postponed because of snow. Many of them had to go home because of work and they spent their own money to not see a game. Lots of people also went to Turin and to Munich, and that was spectacular for us. We’re grateful to have reached a semi-final where we will see 3,000 Yellows in the stands. We will try and put in a good performance, dedicate it to them, and have them go home happy.”
