The Villarreal coach expects a great game against a side full of quality in an intense atmosphere (Tuesday, 9pm)

Villarreal CF head coach Iñigo Pérez spoke to the media on Monday in the Anfield press room ahead of the Yellow Submarine’s UEFA Champions League league-phase Matchday 3 clash against Liverpool.

The Villarreal coach stressed that his side are approaching the encounter against the Reds with excitement and pride: “We approach the match like that, without fear. With the pride of being able to play in this type of game. With courage and a desire to enjoy it.”

All while knowing the challenge will be immense because of both the opponent and the venue: “We know we’re going to face a very intense atmosphere and environment. We also know we’re up against a team that will come after us and press relentlessly. From minute one to minute ninety. Part of our game plan is accepting their strengths and finding our own.”

Asked about Liverpool’s wealth of talent, Pérez highlighted the English side’s quality: “I don’t know how they will play or which players will start, but we’re clear that every player on both teams belongs at Champions League level. I’m not focused on who they might select. I’m focused on preparing our players to counter their game and bring out our own strengths. We have to be ourselves and try to win that way.”

Gerard: “We expect the best version of Liverpool”

Villarreal CF striker Gerard Moreno joined Iñigo Pérez in Anfield’s press room on Monday ahead of the UEFA Champions League fixture against Liverpool FC.

The club’s all-time leading goalscorer predicted a very difficult contest against one of the world’s top teams: “It will be a difficult match because of the opponent we have in front of us. The last few times we’ve come here in knockout ties, things haven’t gone well for us. Now we’re here in this new Champions League format and hopefully it will be different. We know how important it is to pick up points. We’ve come here with the ambition and determination to take something positive from this match.”

The Catalan forward also acknowledged that Villarreal are preparing for Liverpool at their very best: “We’ve prepared ourselves to face a fantastic opponent. But we also want to show a great Villarreal. I believe we have the ability to do that.”