Soler: "We have to be more united than ever against FC Barcelona"

Matches between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona are always big occasions in LaLiga, something that Carlos Soler is well aware of as he and his teammates get ready for the Sunday night showdown. The club captain sat down with VCF Media to preview the game, and explained what he expects from both the contest and the rest of the season.

"We've got the entire week to prepare for the game, and to try to improve the mistakes that we've been making -above all in recent games," he said on Wednesday.

"We know that FC Barcelona will go top if they win their game in hand, and that they will be very motivated, but they can't have more desire to win than us. We need it. It's a big game against one of the best sides in LaLiga, but I think that we will have our chances."

Soler feels that playing at home will be an advantage for the team, as traditionally they have been strong there against the Catalan club.

"They are coming to Mestalla, where in the last 5 or 6 games we've got many points. We haven't lost there since the end of last year. We have to draw on that. In the first game between us we were able to counteract some details and got a point. I think that it was a very evenly matched game.

"In recent seasons Barça haven't managed to take the three points at Mestalla. During the entire week we are going to prepare well. We have to be very united, more than ever. In these final remaining games we will try to take Valencia CF as high up the table as possible, improving our performance level."

The game marks the beginning of the final handful of LaLiga fixtures this season, which has been a tough one for the club.

"We all know that the season hasn't been going well. In general, it's been a bad season. Obviously, it's a situation that we want to change. In the final five games we need to take a step forward -starting with this weekend against FC Barcelona -one of the best teams in LaLiga," stated Soler.

"We want to pick up the three points in order to gain a little more confidence and give the fans a little bit of joy. Every team is playing for something. We also have a lot at stake and have to be united. We have a group that is committed to the cause, and we know the situation that we are in. I hope that at the end of this season things finish well."