Villarreal manager Javi Calleja underlines that Real Madrid are ‘always dangerous’
Villarreal head coach Javi Calleja expects a tough match at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid (Sunday, 4:15pm CEST): “We’re excited and keen on getting a win at the Bernabéu, which would practically secure our place in the top flight next year. Winning there would be ideal, especially so we would have a pay-off for all the hard work we’ve put in so we could confirm staying up. They’re one of the best teams in the world with players who’ve won everything and we know how difficult getting a positive result would be. Real Madrid are always dangerous whatever form they’re in, and although it’s clear that this isn’t their best year, they’ll play in front of their home fans. It will be complicated, but we trust ourselves to play well to get the three points.”
The manager, who himself is from Madrid, insisted that he wants to see personality from his team against Real Madrid: “I want to see a team that defends its ideas, that executes them well and that faces up to Real Madrid from the first minute. I want to see a team that is looking for the win as soon as it steps on the pitch, one that isn’t waiting to see what our opponents do. We’re going to try and have the initiative, to manage the ball well and to do them damager early on. If we score and we go in front, I believe we will have won a lot.” Furthermore, he underlined the importance to make the most of the spaces and to have more possession off the ball: “We have to be vertical and make the most of the speed of our players to cause them damage. We also have to know how to manage the moments when we’re in possession of the ball, to be patient and to make them run, because if we give them too much of the ball, it could go against us, and they would be happy. If they don’t have it as much, they can suffer a bit more. We have the players and the tools necessary to make sure we own the ball.”
With regards to the possible absences for the Yellows against Real Madrid, Calleja is clear: “With Toko Ekambi suspended, one of the options we have is Pedraza as a natural replacement on the left wing. It’s one of the possibilities that exists, and it’s possibly the one that’s closest to what I’m looking for. With regards to Bacca, we’ll have to wait until Saturday’s training session. I don’t know if he’ll be 100% fit, but what is extremely clear is that it opens a massive possibility that Gerard could play. He’s working hard, and what’s more, he’s a striker of top quality.”
The Yellow coach admitted that having Vicente Iborra back is key for the upcoming three matches. “For us, it’s extremely important to be able to have him available, because he gives us experience and the necessary hard work in the middle of the pitch. He’s a player who has a great understanding with Santi Cazorla. He also brings us a lot in the air and from set pieces. For us, he’s crucial and having him gives us security.”
Calleja stressed the importance of it being in your own hands in the final straight: “What’s necessary is that we don’t depend on the results of other teams. Winning would give us enough to stay up and that’s what we’re looking for each game. We can’t go forward in time.”
The coach also reflected on everything that has happened this season: “This season has been an unforgettable experience for me, and a real learning curve. They’re moments that make you improve and grow as a coach and as a person. All we’re living at the moment will definitely help us for the future.”
