Parejo: "The team showed character and attitude"

Valencia CF began their 2019/20 Champions League campaign strongly, beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and gaining an important confidence boost along the way. Captain Dani Parejo spoke to Movistar Liga de Campeones pitchside after the game.

Opening the Champions League campaign
"It was our first Champions League match, at a tough ground, and we competed incredibly well. The team showed character and attitude, and you saw how united we are. We are fully behind the coach and whatever decision he makes."

Reasons for not speaking to the media in recent days
"I think that the situation wasn't the most opportune for us to come out and talk. I know that people probably don't understand why we didn't speak. It was a difficult situation and it was best to stay silent, focus on playing and give our all on the pitch."

The squad's opinion on the change of coach
"It's football. I've had many coaches and I've been through this situation many times. Marcelino will be remembered and his name will be part of the history of Valencia CF. He did a great job, but now a new coach has come in and our objective is to win every game. Of course, we are fully behind Albert Celades."

The victory
"It's true that we had a difficult week; the result at the weekend wasn't good but the feeling we had wasn't as bad as the result. We believe in ourselves, and you saw the commitment of everyone out there once again. We are a family and we are going to continue to show that, right to the end. The institution, the club, is above any one of us."

A step forward
"We knew we were coming to a difficult ground and were up against tough opponents. In the first half it looked like they had chances, such as a cross in, but the game was very evenly matched. Each side played to their strengths. The team gave their all in a difficult situation, which deserves a lot of credit."

Working on tactics with Celades
"Set pieces give you a lot of points. It's important to be good at attacking from them and defending them. A set piece gave us three important points that boost our morale. We have another final on Sunday, and I ask everybody to come to Mestalla, because we need them all. It's been proven time and time again that when the team and the fans are united, it makes a difference."