Vallejo: "Maybe we just ran out of time"

Manu Vallejo got his name on the scoresheet against Athletic Club, taking advantage of having been left unmarked at the back post to head in Carlos Soler's free kick. Following the final whistle, the Andalusian striker talked to VCF Media about the 2-2 draw.

"It was a game in which we had to get the three points: At home against opponents who could be fighting for the same objectives as us. Three points would have been very useful for us," Vallejo admitted.

"We had a very good first half, but maybe we weren't completely focused at the start of the second half; we didn't start the second half well. You saw that on the pitch, and Athletic Club got their equaliser. They went in front from a penalty that we should have avoided -which is down to everybody, rather than just being one player's fault. We need to concentrate more. We went all-out and equalised ourselves, and maybe we just ran out of time."

As for his role as a starter, the forward emphasised his willingness to contribute in any way possible.

"I'm here for whatever the coach needs. I've been starting recently and I try to make the most of the chance. I'm happy about the goal today, and with the fact that I helped the team, but it leaves a bittersweet taste in our mouths. If we had played like we did in the first half in the second half, then we would have taken the three points."

Next up is a visit to Terrassa in the Copa del Rey, a competition in which Valencia CF are keen to shine.

"The Copa del Rey is important for any team, and especially for Valencia CF after we won it so recently. We are going to go for it and try to win, because wins are very useful for this team to gain confidence. We will try to win on Wednesday and do the best that we can," he commented.