Vicente Rodríguez: "Baraja has instilled in the players the feeling for the badge, the work ethic and the sacrifice"

Valencia CF kicked off this LaLiga EA Sports 2023-2024 in good form. The Valencianista team is in fifth place in LaLiga table and will try to achieve another victory against UD Almería, this coming 23 September at 21:00 at the Power Horse Stadium. Valencianista legend and Club ambassador, Vicente Rodríguez, analyzes in VCF Media the performance of the team coached by Rubén Baraja.

Good start to La Liga EA Sports 2023-2024

"I’m very happy for this great start to the season and for the win against Atlético de Madrid. It was a great game. Baraja has started from the beginning of the season with the team and that shows. The team is very organized and up front they have a lot of pace.”

Baraja

"Work, sacrifice, commitment and respect are values that he has instilled very well. The feeling for the Mestalla and seeing a full stadium motivates the team and makes the players give 200%".

Team

"The team has been able to pick itself up after the setback against Osasuna and against Alavés. They are very organised and have shown it. Our way of playing for many years at Valencia CF was like that and that is what we are seeing in Baraja's Valencia CF. Baraja doesn't mind having the team at the back and defending well and then going forward quickly. Valencia CF have been better than their opponents, except in Vitoria".

Match against Atlético de Madrid

"Valencia CF were at a great level defensively, and on the ball and on the counter they were very accurate. It was a deserved win".

Next game against UD Almería

"It will be a very difficult and dynamic game. Up front they have a lot of pace and youth with a desire to grow. Last year we had an example and we have to compete and be focused, play with our heads and make no mistakes. These are three important points for the team's confidence".

The youth

Their growth is very positive news. As a Valencian and a Valencianista, I love the fact that players are coming out of the VCF Academy. It's the best thing there is. Javi Guerra has become a big part of the team. He's got a great personality, he's got the ability to get forward, he's got a great shot... he's a complete player. Together with Almeida and Pepelu they have formed an interesting midfield.

Pepelu

"He started off a bit shaky, but he has got back on a good dynamic. He came from the 2nd division and he's not being noticed. He is a very experienced player and has given a lot to Valencia CF's midfield. He has given them balance, ball control and a great shot from set pieces".

Hugo Duro

"He is a very hard-working player, who gives his all in every game and who needed to score goals because of his great capacity for effort. He deserved this brace. He's scored three and the most important thing for a striker for his confidence is to score goals".

Fans

"There is nothing to say about the fans. To fill the pitch like this, to sing the Valencian Community anthem and to stand by the team in difficult moments says a lot. They have been there in the good times, but, above all, in the bad times".