Javi Calleja backs his side to be intense and competitive to beat Rayo Vallecano and get through to the next round of the Copa del Rey
Villarreal manager Javi Calleja appeared in front of the press to analyse the the build-up to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie against Rayo Vallecano (Wednesday, 7pm CET). The Yellows manager underlined that the Submarine need to be competitive to beat the red and whites: “We need to show hunger and our will to go far. If we’re intense and competitive, and we stay calm in the opposition half, we will have a chance to go through.”
Calleja hailed Rayo Vallecano’s potential and underlined their brave playing style: “They’re a team full of quality who work hard. They will try and have the ball, and they’re a brave side who don’t give up. At home, they’re particularly strong, as we saw in the last round when they beat Betis.”
Finally, the Yellows boss underlined that the team are excited to have a good tournament: “It’s a competition that we like and we want to go far in it. We know that we’ll have to be at our best, as we’ve had to be so far. It’s a tough format that doesn’t let you relax.”
