Coquelin: "We're going to Saudi Arabia to win and to come home with the trophy"

The Valencia CF squad will head to Saudi Arabia this week with their sights set on the Spanish Supercopa. First up for the team is the semifinal against Real Madrid, and Francis Coquelin has reiterated that they are entering the competition with the intention of coming home with the cup.

"We're looking forward to it and very excited about the chance to win our first trophy of 2020. We have the opportunity to do that and are very excited," said the midfielder in conversation with VCF Media on Sunday.

"We're up against very tough opponents in Real Madrid. We played them very recently and they are a side who demand a lot from you. However, we've done a good job against 'big' sides so far this season. We need another great game in order to progress from the semifinal."

Coquelin emphasised the boost provided by the weekend win against Eibar at Mestalla, and the fact that they kept a clean sheet.

"We have just had a very good game at home, in which we didn't concede. That gives you a little more confidence as well. We have a very positive dynamic going and we need to keep working so that we win games. We need to defend well, like I say. It's a facet that we are doing well in, and we need to strengthen that and take our chances."

"It's obviously very positive to have ended the first half of the season with a victory. Besides that, we've got closer to the Champions League spots. That's our goal. We're going to Saudi Arabia with a positive dynamic and the ambition of doing well there."

The Frenchman sent out a message in the run-up to the journey to Jeddah.

"A club like Valencia CF are very ambitious. We're obviously not going to Saudi Arabia for a holiday; we're going there to win and to get the trophy. It will be difficult, because there are tough opponents in the competition, but Valencia CF are tough opponents for them as well."