Rioja: "The team competed very well"

Luis Rioja spoke to VCF Media after the match against Real Betis, in which he scored Valencia CF's equaliser in the second half.

SHOWING CONVICTION

“I think it was a match where Betis started strong, with a chance for Abde, which made us doubt ourselves a bit. But the team recovered well, controlled the game, whilst Betis countered when they had the chance. We know Betis are very strong in that respect, and we tried to counter it with our own strengths. The team competed very well and were able to recover from setbacks, and that's very good. We have to try to strengthen ourselves and make sure the good things we do last as long as possible.”

GREAT POTENTIAL

“We have to focus on the positives. We have to try to maximise our strengths, try to beat Levante UD, and when we make that statement with a win, the team will evolve. I really believe in our potential; we're a very good side. Before going out onto the pitch, I said that we have to believe, because we're a very good team. That's how I feel. It's true that the results aren't coming, and I'll get memes made about me and be criticised, but it's how I feel. I see the team in training, and I don't know why things aren't going our way in games. We have potential, we have a good team, and we have to show it on the pitch. I'm convinced we're going to do it.”

HIS GOAL

“I knew that if I shot hard it would get a touch off someone, because they had rushed forward quickly. It was a goal that came at a good time, because the team didn't deserve to lose. I hope it helps us to get a bit of breathing space and start to improve.”