Toni Lato talked to VCF Media this week in the run-up to Valencia CF's regional derby against Elche, and explained the importance of getting a win in front of the Mestalla faithful.

Winning against Celta

We got a very important win away from home. It had been a while since our last victory on the road, and I think that as a group we needed it to keep up confidence in what a great squad we are. This week we have a big game at home, and we have to make good on the previous win.

The game against Elche

It's a very important game at Mestalla. We know that the fans have to be fully behind us there, helping us to take the three points. It's also been a while since our last home win, and we have to be consistent at Mestalla, above all. It has to be a fortress, and we have to all work together to take the three points.

Playing at home

For me, Mestalla is the best. Seeing the fans getting behind you, with all the Valencianistas and your family and friends, and everything that the fanbase represents is supporting you, is the closest thing to them playing alongside you. It's going to be very important to have them behind us, so that together we create a great atmosphere and fight for the three points.

Getting back to fitness

I feel very good. It was a very demanding game, and there were 20 minutes remaining in a high-paced contest. I think that the team made a great effort and worked hard, and that's why we won. To be like that away from home, having overcome a spate of injuries, was very gratifying. I was playing as a winger, which is somewhere that I can play, and I felt very comfortable.

The difficulty of LaLiga

The league is getting tighter and more competitive every year. Any team can hurt any other, and each game is a world unto itself. Elche have just changed coach and had a win, so they are on a good run, and we need to draw on our win from the other day. It's going to be a tough game, but I think that we have to win it.

Taking a step forward

The first game of the winter run-in is this Saturday, at Mestalla. This is the most important game of the year, and three points would take us a step forward. We need to take that step, because we have a very good group. It's going to be very important to have the fans behind us, and to go for the victory together.