Vila-real (Castellón), Feb 2 (EFE) .- Villarreal coach Unai Emery pointed out at the press conference prior to the Copa del Rey quarterfinal match, which will be played this Wednesday at the Ciutat de València against Levante, that the key to the tie will be to see which of the two teams is capable of imposing its virtues.
“We are going to look for an eleven with the virtues and characteristics that have made us strong: Having possession and being dangerous at the top, in addition to which we must adapt to them. They have possession, they are dangerous at the top, and have players of quality. The key is to see which team is capable of imposing its virtues, they have them and so do we, “he said.
“We must be prepared for everything, they are going to demand and hurt us in many moments of the game, so we must face it and seek to impose our potential and our quality,” he continued.
The Basque coach pointed out that he sees a tie “at 50 percent”, so he does not dare to say which team starts a priori as favorites.
“We are both equally excited and they play at home, and that is always differential. Added to that is the streak they have been running, which is very positive and gives them a lot of confidence. They also have good players who put us in complications, their games are always very difficult. I have it at 50% and it will be a very even game, “he advanced.
“It is a short competition, we both have a good track record and we are motivated. Both teams have been dominant and we want to reach that semi-final, so it is a great opportunity. I see the group aware of what it means to fight for a title, for what tomorrow is one more step, “he added.
Emery recognized the good friendship that unites him with the Levante coach, Paco López, as well as the good harmony that exists between both clubs, although he clarified that it is something they will “forget” in the game.
“We know each other very well and it is true that the relationship is very good between the clubs; we have and I have a lot of appreciation for Paco (López) and the players know each other a lot. But we are enemies and we owe ourselves to a shield and the possibility of playing one semifinal, so it will be a very tough and demanding game for sure, “he insisted.
The Villarreal coach admitted that the 'touched' players such as Foyth, Gerard, Capoue and Yeremi are doubtful for this match “so we are going to wait and see tomorrow who may or may not be” and acknowledged that if they cannot be, he will continue counting on the homegrown players. “They are the ones who should help, but it is something they have already done. We must continue to grow in it.” EFE