Vallejo: "We're here to make the most of our opportunities"

Manu Vallejo offered his typical high energy and ambition in Valencia CF's game against Deportivo Alavés, and got an important goal for the team to help them to a draw on the road.

The striker is proving to be highly efficient this term, averaging a goal every 64 minutes he spends on the pitch. He is LaLiga's second most effective marksman, behind Valladolid's Jota (13 minutes played, 1 goal scored).
Besides his exploits on the pitch, the Andalusian is always effusive off it, and he chatted to VCF Media this Tuesday to look back on the events in Vitoria -and ahead to Atletico Madrid at the weekend.

"I'm very happy. Whenever you score goals it shows you that you are helping the team, and at the end of the day that's what I'm here for: To help the team through goals and hard work, so that we get the points we all want," he said of his strike at Mendizorroza.

Asked about his tireless work and relentless effort, Vallejo explained that it is an obligation he imposes on himself.

"Those who know me will tell you that I've always loved football. I think that's very important, and means that when I get an opportunity I give my all. It means that I have the utmost excitement and put in hard work, because it's a privilege to be able to do this. It's the least that can be asked of us."

"We're here to make the most of our opportunities, whether that means playing a lot of minutes or not so many. It's about doing whatever the coach asks of you."

Coming up is the encounter with Atletico Madrid, and Vallejo echoes the sentiments expressed by his coach and teammates earlier this week: The team need to avoid conceding early.

"Atletico Madrid are great opponents. If they go ahead, it's very difficult to turn things around. It would really hinder us if we went behind to start with."

"In games like against Getafe and Real Madrid, we've been a compact team. That's where our improvement can come from, and what can allow us to grow. We need to start games well, and try to maintain that for 90 minutes. When we can keep that going for 90 minutes, we will be very close to winning games."

Of course, another victory is the objective.

"After winning 4-1 against Real Madrid at Mestalla, we can face this game with the same desire and excitement -as well as the utmost focus. We will try to do things well and take the three points."