📺 Cheryshev: "The level of demand has to be at its highest in every game and training session"

Denis Cheryshev put injury woes behind him and was part of the starting lineup for Valencia CF last weekend against Real Sociedad. He and the squad are now preparing for their next game, against Real Betis, and VCF Media caught up with him to talk about his and the team's approach to the final stage of the LaLiga campaign.

"I've been looking forward to being with my teammates and helping the team. In terms of fitness, I still need some adaptation time, but I'm feeling better all the time. I'm grateful for the trust the coach and my teammates have in me. I'm always willing to help in any way that I can," says Cheryshev, who's contribution had previously been limited to providing support from the stands when sidelined through injury.

"I really suffered. When I would come to watch games at Mestalla, it was like I was a fan: Shouting at the referee, the opposition players and my teammates. It's really tough. You want to help, and the only way that you can do that is by cheering the team on."

Now back in the equation for coach Javi Gracia, the winger explains the motivation Valencia CF have to end the season well.

"We treat every game with a lot of importance. I think that this season hasn't been at all easy for us. I'm sure that it hasn't been easy for the fans either, but I think that we are very motivated to win these final games that remain, and to finish the season as high up the table as possible. Above all, so that the fans who can't be with us at Mestalla can enjoy it at home," reflects the Russian international, who is expecting a high-tempo encounter against Real Betis this weekend.

"We saw in the first game against them that they like to have the ball and also have fast players on the counter. We will have to be very alert. I think that we have a style of play that should be uncomfortable for them. We have to be tight in defence, as we provide a lot of danger when counter-attacking. I think that could be key, and we have to believe that we can win."

"Above all, we have to focus on winning the next game. The message should be one of calm and hard work. We are doing everything possible so that things go well. It's true that we are finding things a little harder away from home this season, and we want to change that right now."