Valencia CF’s ambassador, Ricardo Arias assessed the latest goings-on around the first team. The Valencianista legend highlighted the importance bearing on Sunday’s game, above in terms of the team spirit to come into the game with high morale at a watershed point of the season.  

Turning point  

Sunday’s game is monumental a litmus test to end a six-game run without a win in LaLiga. It could be a turning point if we manage to beat FC Barcelona, the team can start thinking about putting together a positive run with a favourable fixture list coming up and the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals with more composure if we have a good game against FC Barcelona on Sunday.  

Confidence  

I think the team have a competitive edge. They’re only lacking the confidence to believe that they’re able to beat FC Barcelona. If we manage to beat FC Barcelona, you get a morale boost that makes you think that you’re able to beat anyone.   

 Home advantage  

We’re able to beat FC Barcelona, it’s not impossible. The fear of Messi playing is gone and the odds even out. We don’t have to think about the opposition. We’re Valencia CF and we are playing at home and we have to dictate the play and a mentality, the fanbase will get behind the team and they know of the importance of the six or seven fixtures coming up and I’m sure they will get behind the team.       

Playing style criticism   

 They can say whatever they want. What matters is the results and having the players convinced that this playing style benefits them. We have to make it really tough for the opposition to beat Valencia CF.     

Endure to enjoy  

There are 14 LaLiga fixtures plus two cup games left to go until the end of the season. We have to make the most of them, enduring to enjoy it later. The team are able to dig deep and have composure. I blindly trust the players that run out onto the field and we have to get behind them and help them to get the win.