Ruben Uria on preseason, the LaLiga calendar and more

Valencia CF assistant coach Rubén Uría used some of his free time at the preseason training camp in Switzerland to speak to VCF Media Radio on Monday. The member of Marcelino's coaching staff commented candidly on the summer so far and the aims for 2019/20.

The atmosphere in preseason
"It's really good. It's maybe one of the best years we've had in terms of the start of preseason. There is a relaxed, family atmosphere, with the more experienced members of the group welcoming the newcomers. We're very happy."

"Last year we felt really good here. The facilities fit with our values of humility, because it's a very normal pitch and there is nothing flashy. It's also calm in the hotel, as the Swiss people are very respectful and let you go out for a work and do other activities besides training."

The game against AS Monaco
"You always want to win every game, but preseason matches form part of training. It's all about fitness. Luckily, we have many players who have been away with their national teams -or who are still away with them. We have to take this into account and share out the minutes, which is why I say that its part of training. It's also part of reminding the players what we've worked on before. You have to get players doing things automatically."

Objectives
"The idea is to be a competitive team and to maintain that unity and those values. We have a squad headed by captains who are straightforward and who believe in the project.

"Finishing in at least fourth or third place is very important for the club. That would be the foundation for growth. Keeping ourselves in the Champions League is important on a financial and sporting level, and if we were to win a trophy it would be the icing on the cake."

The LaLiga calendar
"I like the kind of calender that is being put together; everything is very evenly distributed. We have a good start, against teams from whom in theory it should be possible to take points, but in the end you have to play 90 minutes and be better than the opposition.

"We need to learn from the mistakes we made at the start of last season. Both the players and the coaching staff have learnt our lesson."

Getting back to 100%
"The idea is to get to the Trofeo Naranja game with more practice and more minutes for those who are going to start off the LaLiga season. It's preparation for the opening matchday and being at 100% in order to take victory then."