Roberto: We need to win

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Roberto has urged his team-mates to dig deep and produce a result at Valencia as they try desperately to turn their season around.

Los Rojiblancos are in something of a crisis following a dreadful start to the season and coach Abel Resino is clinging on to his job by an ever-thinning thread.

There were calls for his dismissal during Wednesday’s home draw with Almeria which left them second from bottom of the Primera Division table.

Atletico travel to Valencia, for a match which is a must-win affair for both teams, looking for their first away points of the season and Roberto knows just how much the three points would mean.

“The team really needs a victory,” he said.

“We had it in the match against Almeria until they levelled in the final moment.

“We didn’t expect that goal and it affects you in the hours after the game.

“Then, you get home, you go to sleep and you wake up with a different attitude, with a desire to train and move on.

“All of the team members look forward to coming to work and we’re aware that we have the chance to win and resolve this situation every three days.

“Now we have to grit our teeth and fight to achieve our goals.”

Raul Garcia, Mariano Pernia and Ignacio Camacho are injured, while Sergio Asenjo, Alvaro Dominguez and Leandro Cabrera have been called up to the Under-20 World Cup and are also missing.

Valencia have hit a bit of a slump of late following an impressive start to the season.

Los Che were one of four sides to win the opening two games and looked certain to make it three on the trot last weekend until surrendering a late goal at home to Sporting Gijon.

That disappointing 2-2 tie was then followed by a miserable 3-1 defeat at Getafe and Hedwiges Maduro is desperate to get back to winning ways at the Mestalla.

“Against Atletico we have to show intensity and motivation,” he said.

“It’s a good game to do that because we have to give a victory to our fans at home.

“We’re all working to the maximum to achieve the three points.

“The only answer is to win, showing our qualities.

“Winning a game is not easy. But we have only just suffered our first defeat and it’s not a problem.

“Now we all have to improve and learn from our mistakes. Wednesday’s was an odd game but we have to face the next one and we will do it with great desire to win.”

However, Unai Emery will be without Ruben Baraja, Angel Dealbert, Manuel Fernandes, Asier del Horno, Nacho Gonzalez and Vicente, who all look set to miss out through injury.

The Mestalla fans will be hoping David Villa continues his fantastic start to the season, with the Spain striker having scored five goals in four matches.