Martin Valjent: We have been motivated in the last 10 games
The defender reflected on our recent form as he returns to first-team action
Martin Valjent is back.
The centre back made his return to first-team football against Real Valladolid as we put an end to our run of losses away from home with a hard-fought 3-3 draw.
"In the last game we couldn't take all three points, but we have been able to score in some difficult games and also break that streak away from home,” he told club media. “We know that now we have 10 last matches ahead of us and that in these last matches the future will be decided. Last year we were in a different situation, but that doesn't mean we don't feel that kind of pressure or the need to play good games.
"We have a fantastic group, players who train wonderfully and then, when they come on, they perform perfectly. In the end here we always need everyone. Dennis, for example, made his debut and did very well, as did Manu, who even scored a goal.
“That human, competitive group strength, where each player, even if he plays more often or less, tries to do well in every training session, and that is then seen in the matches and it is always for the good of all.
“I am now trying to get back to my physical and competitive level so I can be well and help the team. When you get injured you always have a hard time on the sidelines. In the end, you have more nerves on the outside than the inside. But I've already lived through these situations, I know how to handle them and now the important thing is to try to get back to my best.”
We now face Celta Vigo at the Estadio de Balaídos next Monday and our defender is keen to get back to winning ways.
"RC Celta is a very difficult opponent that has been getting very good results lately,” he continued. “But we try to focus above all on ourselves and start to play a very good game again and go home with something in our pockets.
“We have to play these last matches with a lot of enthusiasm, with a lot of desire and not think much further ahead. We have to compete, try to win and try to do it in the best possible way.”