Pape Gueye analyses the upcoming match against RCD Mallorca and warns about the importance of the tie
Pape Gueye appeared in front of the media this Thursday to analyse the current goings-on at Villarreal CF, who will face RCD Mallorca on Monday (9pm CET) at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Here are the standout quotes from the Yellows’ midfielder:
Being strong at home to get into Europe
“If we win our home matches, which are important matches, we’ll be closer to our aim. We want to play in the Champions League and I think that’s the right path.”
Analysing the opposition
“RCD Mallorca are a good oponent. They’re behind us, but we have the same amount of points, and the match will be like a final. There are 19 or 19 matches left and we have to win the games against direct opponents. We’re ready to put in the best performance possible and win.”
Needing to win against opponents with the same goals
“We know we have to win against direct opponents, but also against those who are further away from us. We need to try and win every match, but it isn’t easy. We have to work a lot to win as many matches as possble.”
His role in the team
“For me, the most important thing is being to able to help the team in whatever position, and wherever the manager needs me. Whether it’s playing as a No.6, a No.8 or a No.10… The most important thing is for Pape to feel great, physically I’m feeling great, I’m working hard, and I hope that things continue like that. I know I’m close to scoring, but I’m going to continue to work hard after every training session, and hope they come soon.”
Adapting to life in Villarreal CF
“For me, being able to be fluent in the language is important. I think it’s a sign of respect, and for me, it’s also important to know the language of the country I’m playing in. I’m happy, the team is helping me a lot, the manager too, and I feel very good in the team. I have to continue like that, but I want more goals and more assists and I’m going to continue working hard.”
Enjoying his time with the Submarine
“Villarreal CF are a great club. Here I can play without worrying, because the fans are calm. I know Marcelino, he’s a great manager, I’m learning a lot from him, and I want to progress. I am young and I know that if I work hard, I will perform well on the pitch. I’m very happy to be here, everyone seems to be happy with me, including myself, and I hope that it continues to be like that.”
His friendship with Thierno Barry
“Thierno Barry is a great friend of mine. He’s very young, he has a lot of great qualities, and he’s a guy who listens to his team-mates and the coach a lot. I’m very happy for him because he’s scoring a lot of goals, and he’s also really happy to be here. We have to continue on this journey.”
A really strong squad
“We’ve lost players, but we have a good team with great players and we need to improve. Every day, we work hard to win. For me, if you see the last match, we played well, and we think if we continue like that, they next few matches will be good for us.”
Spanish style of football
“The refereeing in Spain and France is very different. Now I know LALIGA and I know I need to be more careful. In France, there are a lot of players like me, who go with everything, here there aren’t as many, and because of that I need to be more careful and use my head to see fewer cards.”
