Luis Rioja: “The team want to grow and will keep improving”

Valencia CF winger Luis Rioja gave a press conference on Wednesday afternoon following training, to preview the LaLiga game against his former club, Deportivo Alavés. He played at the Basque side for five seasons and served as captain there.

A possible contract renewal for him

“Of course I would like to renew my deal here, but I'm not focused on that right now. We're in a situation where the team need all our thoughts to be about what happens on the pitch. If a contract extension is meant to be, then it will happen, and I'm open to staying. I'm delighted to be at a great club like Valencia CF.”

Corberán's statements after the match against Real Oviedo

“I don't think people thought the way it was reported as being interpreted. I just think it's more exciting for people to think he was attacking us. From a marketing perspective, a negative is more exciting than a positive. It was the same description he gave me at the end of the match and in the halftime teamtalk. It's not an attack at all. It's tactical. It's an objective description of a system of play or the movement of players with the ball in play. He came over to us to explain what he had meant, but it wasn't necessary for him to do that. Everyone inside the dressing room knew he was analysing something tactical, giving names, and being much more incisive about a move than is usually the case with the press, and that's what was a bit striking.”

Latest results

“We've brought in new players, and that requires an adaptation process. LALIGA doesn't allow you to go through processes slowly, because it's very competitive. We have to start performing now, and the team will improve, quickly grasping the coach's ideas. As the season progresses, the players will become more in sync, and the team will continue to grow. We have the squad to have a good season and be competitive.”

Objectives

“Our aim is to win on Monday at Mendizorroza, and the next objective is to try to beat Villarreal. We want continue to take as many points as possible. Setting a goal now isn't easy because LALIGA puts you in your rightful place as the matches go by. When I came here, I knew the badge I'd be wearing on my chest. Beyond one objective or another, it demands a lot from you as a whole. You have to come here and push yourself to the limit every day and in every match. We have to set short-term goals and achieve them so that those goals at the end of the season are the best possible.”

Recent Matches

“The problem we've had is continuity. We have to be more aware that games last 90 minutes and extend the good periods of play as much as possible to get the three points.”

Contract clauses

“There is something in my contract, but I'm not going to mention the number of matches, nor do I want to focus on it. I'm only thinking about competing, enjoying being on the pitch and at the club. I'm open to an automatic renewal or whatever the club want. I feel happy here.”

Dressing room

“If there's one thing that characterised this team last year, it was the spirit in the dressing room. This year, we're following the same dynamic as last year. The dressing room is united, and there's no conflict. We're united.”

Position on the pitch

“I try to adapt to what the coach tells me to do. Corberán believes I can help on the right wing, and I try to do that in the best way possible, giving my all.”

Deportivo Alavés

“Mendizorroza is a tough ground to go to. Deportivo Alavés have a great fanbase and they're very motivated. We'll try to win, and the team are capable of that. I love the club and the fans very much. They gave me everything, and I'll always wish them the best. They gave me the opportunity to become a professional footballer and everything I am now.”

Set pieces

“We have to improve from them. A set piece prevented us from getting three points against RCD Espanyol, and also against Real Oviedo, and the point against Girona FC. Just as we're doing very well in that area of attack, we're struggling defensively there, and we're working hard to take steps forward.”

Start of the season

“We don't like the position we are in. The team need to take steps forward; we should have more points. We want to grow. We have a lot of room for improvement in terms of the table. We're in a very demanding competition, and the start to the season isn't what anyone wanted. The players are going to give everything they have to turn things around.”

Carlos Corberán

“We're all onboard with him. Last year, he arrived in a very tricky situation. We all think he's the ideal coach for the job. The relationship we have with him is spectacular, and we're all going to push hard so that this works out. We have to allow ourselves to dream and enjoy every game with this club.”