Javi Calleja underlines the importance of every player and sees getting two wins in a row as ‘fundamental’
This afternoon, Villarreal manager Javi Calleja underlined that it will be key for the team to show unity and commitment in the ten games that are left of this LaLiga season. Every one of his players are important. Next up for the Yellows is a game against RCD Mallorca at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Tuesday, 7:30pm CEST). “The key word is unity, as well as commitment and team. Everyone that took to the pitch against Celta was convinced that they could give their all, and you could see that. We’re close to the European spots and there are a lot of points to play for. We need to continue on from where we left off in Vigo. It won’t be easy but we’re excited and we believe in what we’re doing. The team put in a great performance in Vigo. The substitutions were key and I’m sure that will continue to be the case in the rest of the games,” he commented.
For the head coach, getting a second win in a row would be very important: “Getting to wins in a row is fundamental. Staying at the same level is key. We need to be regular, even more so at this stage of the season. The last ten games are important in whether you reach your aim or not, and they’re the most important games of the season. I see the team focused and convinced about what they’re doing.”
With regards to Mallorca, Calleja underlined the danger of their attack: “Mallorca have dangerous players in attack. They created chances against Barcelona. We didn’t have a good time when we played there because they were clinical whenever they passed the halfway line. I’m expecting to face a difficult opponent. Mallorca are fighting to stay up. They play with different formations and they always face up to us.”
Regarding the lack of fans at the Estadio de la Cerámica, the Yellows’ boss underlined his sadness at the situation: “Not seeing the fans will make us feel empty. It will be hard, different and strange. We want to put in a good performance to dedicate it to our fans who will be watching at home. We are going to play more games at home than away, and winning at home will be crucial, but every point we get is welcome wherever we get it. We want to win every match and we’re not going to give up on any of them. Each game is like a final and that’s how we’ll face them.”
To conclude, Calleja underlined how he believed his side can get the three points against the Balearic team: “One of the key areas could be the defensive solidarity that we showed against Celta. We gave them very little, we dominated the tie and we defended well in the opposition half. We will insist on our own identity. Another important aspect would be going ahead in the tie. It would be a real advantage.”
