Valencia CF forward Fran Pérez appeared on VCF Media RADIO to speak about the season so far and the upcoming LaLiga clash with FC Barcelona.

The match against FC Barcelona

"We are working hard to hurt Barça and it's going very well. We're really looking forward to it. If we beat Atleti at home 3-0, why can't we beat Barça at Mestalla? It's going to be a very competitive game. The game is all about keeping a clean sheet and making the most of the chances we get. We can't get distracted in any action."

 Mestalla

"We want to be strong at home. At Mestalla we are a very difficult team to beat. We have to be calm and compete well and I'm convinced that we'll have a very good game. Our fans are very important and they are our twelfth man. We are going to have a great game not only for us, but also for the fans, who  deserve it. The tickets being practically sold out shows how the fans support us and we must respond with the highest possible level of demand. We must give everything for the club and for our fans."

The final stretch of matches in 2023

"It's a collective challenge we have. It's not just about playing well until the 70th minute. We have to be aware of that and take a step forward. It's a goal we have set ourselves."

The team's mentality 

"Anything is possible at Mestalla. In big games, we grow. An example of that was against Atleti and hopefully we can repeat that against Barça. The way we've been competing, we deserve this victory."

The game against FC Barcelona in 2022/23

"It was one of my first games in the top flight and I remember that there should have been a penalty. I was clipped on the ankle and I fell to the ground."

His individual performances

"I feel good and Baraja is giving me continuity. I'm very happy and anything that helps the team is great. I have the personal challenge of scoring a goal at Mestalla, which would be a dream that I have yet to fulfil."

His first goal for Valencia CF

"I was really looking forward to scoring a goal with Valencia CF and I celebrated with great enthusiasm. I had just scored with the Spanish Under-21s and I was really looking forward to scoring in a Valencia CF shirt. In the one-on-one, I knew I was going to score. I have the shirt at home. I hope to score many more with Valencia CF."