Dealbert steps up for Valencia

Valencia defender Angel Dealbert is happy with the club’s 18th La Liga win of the season over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Even though he has failed to cement a regular place this season, Dealbert is hoping to have impressed manager Unai Emery enough to hold his place for Wednesday’s visit to Espanyol and renew the push to finish third.

“I started the other day, but I don’t consider myself a regular,” Dealbert, 28, said.

“It was an important game, taking three points after two consecutive defeats.”

“The team reacted well and took three important points. I was able to play, which was also important for me.”

Dealbert said Emery leads by example.

“The manager always talks to the players and tells us what he is happy or unhappy with,” he said.

“He makes us watch videos, individual videos of every player and sometimes you think you’ve played well and he shows you your mistakes.”

“You always try to improve and we are very well prepared, whether you play in eight games or all of them.”

“That is what Valencia demands of you. We want to be ready when the manager needs us.”

“This isn’t with anyone in mind. I hope that Levante stay up and in the fight for third.”

“We will try just as hard against them as in any other game. If Levante beat you and are the better side, then so be it.”

“Playing at the Mestalla, we have to do our best. This is football.”

After Espanyol, Valencia have a home game against Levante, before ending the season away to Deportivo La Coruna.

After two consecutive defeats, the 3-0 win over Real Sociedad has boosted the morale at the club who will finish at least fourth in La Liga, securing a route into Champions League qualification.