Parejo: “We’ve completed the first objective; now it’s time for the cup”

Dani Parejo is a dressing room leader at Valencia CF, and had long insisted that the club could earn a Top 4 finish this season despite some early stumbles. He was proved right with the 2-0 win over Valladolid, which guaranteed his team Champions League football for 2019/20. He spoke after the LaLiga finale to give his thoughts.

Mission accomplished

“We are very happy. It’s been a tough and very demanding year, and we didn’t start the season in the best way. However, with hard work, sacrifice and team spirit, we were able to turn the situation around. We’ve completed our first objective and now we have another to come, against Barça in the Copa del Rey final in Seville.”

A nervy start to the game

“We were playing away from home, and as long as we were winning we would reach our objective. But it’s difficult to keep your emotions in check, and we had a great game. Valladolid also had a great game, creating a lot of chances. I would say that we made the most of our opportunities.”

The atmosphere with the travelling fans

“It was incredible. I’d experienced something similar in Almeria a few years ago, in which it was in our hands but we did it with a goal just minutes from the end. It’s the icing on the cake for a very difficult season, in which we’ve reached our objective.”