RIOJA: "We've taken a step forward"

Luis Rioja spoke to VCF Media after Valencia CF's 2-1 home win on Matchday 27.  

A very important victory

We knew the importance of this match, that could get us out of the bottom three. We are out of the relegation zone, where we have not managed to be for a long time. The match was tough for us because we could have killed it off in the first half, when we were far superior, and we did not manage to do it. However, we came out in the second half as we needed in order to get ahead. And we knew that with the score being close, they would go for it late on. We were able to compete so that we did not lose points in the final minutes, so we have taken a step forward in that aspect.

A boost in morale

It has been a year in which, until now, we have been at the bottom throughout the LaLiga season. We are going to try not to be there anymore and continue growing in the remaining matches -and take that step forward out of the relegation battle.

Mestalla

Away from home, we are competing well, but the games are getting away from us due to details that we have to correct. We need to minimise errors. Now we are going to a difficult ground as well, and we have to take a step forward and go for the victory.

We know that Mestalla is a key factor for us. When teams come here they know that they are not only facing a team but also a fanbase and a city. Since Corberán arrived we have won games, and only lost against the big teams. We want to continue to make the fans enjoy our victories and try to ensure that they have a peaceful time from now until the end of LaLiga.

The dynamic

The positions are decided on Matchday 38, which is when we have to see where we are and take stock of the entire season. In the season there are good and bad moments, and now we are in a good moment and on an upward dynamic. That is a key factor, because the important thing is to reach the final stretch on that upward trend. When we have to be out of the relegation zone is on Matchday 38.

Sadiq

We knew that he was a striker with a lot of goals and he was not getting the regular appearances that he wanted, that he came from a team with a lot of competition and that undermined his confidence. But we knew his level of talent. He has potential and he is recovering his form. We have a lot of firepower up front and when Hugo Duro comes back they will fight for the position. They are two goalscorers and two players who have to give us a lot. That is good for the team, that we have competition. That is what makes a team and a dressing room better.

Chances

I should have been more calm with my finishing. I had made the move well but I wanted to hit it hard, whereas I could have sidefooted it. For me the important thing is that, whatever the position I occupy, I help my teammates to achieve their objectives. We had a complete game.

Corberán's message

It was to congratulate us. After the accident in the first half, any team can fall apart, but the team believed, picked ourselves up and went ahead. The first half was supposed to have made it a very comfortable game, with many clear chances, and we ended up 1-1. The coach wants us to strengthen and for us to connect everyone so that we can continue competing.