Elche midfielder, Gonzalo Villar, has optimistically expressed his expectation of facing Valencia in the next regional duel, which will be held on Sunday at the Martínez Valero stadium. In an interview with EFE, the player, who grew up in the Valencian youth academy, described the rival team as “one of the best clubs in the history of Spain” and added that, despite the recent problems, “strong and injured” Valencia will continue to be an important challenge for Elche.
Villar recalled the last matchday in which Valencia obtained three points, but “in ten minutes everything falls apart,” and stated that the Murcian team is prepared to “find them even more eager and even more dangerous.” The midfielder stressed that the match against Valencia is crucial for Elche, as it would allow them to move away from relegation and consolidate the positive dynamic that they have been building throughout the season. “If we lose here, they can get out of there,” he said, but stressed that beating Valencia “would mean giving them three more points and winning the direct duel.”
Regarding his own role on the team, Villar explained that he feels “happy” and “more comfortable” playing at the base of the play, although he has assumed a more advanced position near the midfielder. “It is an opportunity to improve and grow,” he commented. He also made reference to the match against Celta, which he considered “more open” than the confrontation with Valencia, and praised the quality of his teammate Thomas Lemar, whom he described as “spectacular.”
The player also called for the concentration of the locker room, ensuring that there is no concern about Pinatar's possible claim in the Cup. “We are focused on the match against Valencia and the club's legal services will take care of that,” he stated, trusting that there will be no problems and that the team can advance to the next round. With these comments, Gonzalo Villar makes it clear that Elche seeks to consolidate its position in the table and that the next meeting with Valencia will be a key milestone in its campaign.