Rioja: "We had to step up"

Luis Rioja talked to VCF Media about the 2-1 triumph over Girona FC.

A vital win

"We knew things had become difficult and we had to step up. This win gives us a bit of breathing room, but we have to keep going to resolve the situation."

The performance

"In the first half, they pushed us back a lot and it was difficult, but we pressed high and there were adjustments made at halftime. The coach found the right formula, we created overloads and the goals came, but we had to suffer to do it"

The difficulty posed by Girona FC

"Girona are very direct, they combine well and play a lot of passing moves. We knew we had to make a big sacrifice. Teams have it all at stake and are fighting until the very end. This victory gives us some breathing room, but we're aware that we have to keep going."

The importance of the fans

"The fans were incredibly supportive and gave us that extra push. Stole Dimitrievski is in great form, he made a crucial save, and it's all about unity. When the team and the fans are united, we're very difficult to beat."

The objective

"Our objective is to get a run of wins going. The next match will be a great fixture at Mestalla and we know we have to try to get the fans fired up."