Valencia primed for local derby

Valencia coach Unai Emery said his players are ready for the challenge of taking on local rivals Villarreal in Saturday’s derby.

Valencia are fourth on the La Liga table with 20 points, three behind Villarreal in third, and victory at El Madrigal is vital to both sides’ hopes of keeping touch with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Emery’s squad has been plagued by a number of recent injuries, with the likes of Jeremy Mathieu, Mehmet Topal, Cesar Sanchez and Juan Mata on the sidelines, but the Valencia coach says his side can take the three points on Saturday.

“Tomorrow is a very important game, as we have three points at stake and it is a derby,” Emery said.

“We will be up against a direct rival who have been one of the big sides for a number of years. We wish Villarreal all the best, but we always want them behind Valencia.”

“Tomorrow is an opportunity we want to make the most of, a tough challenge and a chance to win for our fans.”

“It’s an important game that coincides with us losing two or three players to injury, but those who come in will make up for any unfamiliarity with the desire that they possess.”

“They are prepared to play the game at the level required by the opposition.”

“We never know who will play or who is available, but we have complete confidence in those who will play tomorrow. I think that they are capable of playing the game that we want from them.”

Emery says Valencia and Villarreal are evenly matched and will provide a thrilling contest on Saturday.

“The players are aware that this is an important game and of who our opponents are,” Emery said.

“But looking at it in terms of how close they are to us in the table, they are a team who are at Valencia’s level in some ways – and a team who we want to finish ahead of in the league.”