Luis Rioja: “We have to go to Vallecas to win and take another step towards our goal”
The Valencia CF attacker spoke to the media in a press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna
Shortly after the announcement that Valencia CF will be pitted against AD Alcorcón in the next round of the Copa del Rey, striker Manu Vallejo spoke to VCF Media about what he expects from the contest.
"They are tough opponents, just like every side in the competition. It's a small ground and somewhere that I'm sure they will really push us, but it's a knockout competition. As I say, every side still in the cup was going to be hard to play," commented Vallejo.
"We will do our best, and we have the experience of the previous two games in the Copa del Rey: A very good game yesterday, and one that wasn't so good in the previous round against Terrassa. It's down to us. We know that we have to be at 100%, as any team can beat you if not. Being strong as a team, we have to show why we are in the higher division."
Just like in the game against Yeclano Deportivo, the team are not overlooking the cup encounter with lower league opposition.
"We are seeing a lot of games in the Copa del Rey in which lower division sides are taking it to Primera División teams. Alcorcón are famous in this competition; from what we've seen in previous years, they like the Copa del Rey. They are going to make things very difficult, and we are going to go there to have a good game and try to go through.
"Obviously a win, in any competition and against any opposition, boosts your morale. It's a good moment for that. The team need to pick up consecutive victories to make us see things in a different way. We've started things off against Yeclano, and that helps us to go to Valladolid on Sunday looking for the 3 points the team need. I think that we have a good dynamic and we have to go for the game -and be ourselves," Vallejo concluded.
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