Rioja: “We feel strong and supported at Mestalla. We have to keep giving our all and get into the rhythm of winning three points at a time” | OneFootball

The Valencia player, Luis Rioja, was the guest on VCF Media Radio’s l’Informatiu to talk about the team’s current situation and the upcoming match against Deportivo Alavés. The Andalusian footballer was part of the ‘babazorro’ squad for five seasons (2019-2020 to 2023-2024).

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Team

“We’re doing well, very eager to bring another joy to the fans. We know that victories give you security and confidence. The team competed well and deserved the win against CA Osasuna. We’re feeling revitalized. A large part of our chances rely on Mestalla; it pushes us and makes us feel strong. We have to give our maximum. Mestalla is something very special. Every time we step onto the pitch, we feel supported, and when your strength falters, the fans encourage you.”

Standings

“Two victories help you climb the standings, especially when the games are at home. Feeling strong at Mestalla is vital. The fans give their all for the team of their lives, and we have to do the same on the pitch. We have to try to get into the rhythm of winning three points at a time.”

Second half of the season

“We’ve worked on the little details. To have things go your way, you have to look for them, and the team has never stopped doing that. The team is focused on making the details go in our favor. When you seek them out and they fall your way, they help you win matches.”

Match against Deportivo Alavés

“It’s a city and a club that I care about a lot. They’ve given me everything; I’ve grown, I’ve matured… they believed in me. I’m very happy to see my former teammates. When a new coach arrives, things change, and we have to match the intensity because they’re going to ‘go all out.’ We’ll see what ideas Quique wants to implement at Deportivo Alavés. We have to be aware that here at Mestalla, the game goes through us, and the opponent has to adapt to our style. If I score, I won’t celebrate. Respect for the club and the city comes above everything. Deportivo Alavés creates a sense of belonging; it’s like a family, and that shows on the pitch. The team is a unit, and we know we have to match, at the very least, that intensity.”

Performance

“Since I arrived, I’ve always promised that I would give everything for the club, beyond the stats. My effort will never be lacking.”

Integration of new signings

“When new players arrive, especially in January, those of us already here have to help them settle in and deliver immediately. Guido has shown his level; Unai has competed very well from day one; and with Sadiq, last season we already saw what he can contribute. We have a complete squad.”

Ramazani’s penalties

“We’ve seen it in some training sessions—he takes them really well. His way of striking them is very hard for goalkeepers to predict.”