Javi Calleja underlines that the team is extremely motivated ahead of the challenge of facing Real Madrid
Villarreal manager Javi Calleja appeared in front of the media to analyse the build-up to the game with Real Madrid. The Yellows manager recognised the difficulty of facing Los Blancos, although he underlined that the Yellows are extremely motivated going into the game: “Real Madrid are showing that they’re the strongest team. It will be hard because they’re playing for the LaLiga title, but we’re going to work hard to try and mathematically secure our aim against them. It’s a challenge that motivates us and we’re going to try and get the win.”
To beat Real Madrid, Calleja believes his side will need to be solid in defence and decisive in attack: “We will have to wait for our chances. We will need to defend well and make the most of the opportunities we get. We will need to be ready to dig in, to perform well and make them uncomfortable during the tie.”
Furthermore, Calleja recognised that the aim of Europe is just a step away, but the team will need to dig in once more to seal their place in the continental competition: “We’re there, close to getting to the Europa League and being back among the best. Hopefully every year we can play games like that to try and extend our reach. We would like to seal it against Real Madrid. We’re going to compete with no fear and we’re not giving up anything.”
The Villarreal head coach expects an intense game and says the team are ready for that: “We’re expecting a Real Madrid who will be very strong early on. They will try and kill the game off as soon as posible. Each game motivates me, whoever it’s against. We got a win against Real Madrid two seasons ago. Now we’re fighting for the second victory.”
