Ricardo Costa has reassured reporters that the Valencia dressing room is united, even if he also echoes David Albelda’s sentiments to wantaway teammates.
Centre-back Costa is the latest player to comment on the crisis at Mestalla that has seen Coach Mauricio Pellergrino replaced with Ernesto Valverde.
“The squad is united, we know that we are going through a difficult phase, it is our responsibility and we must assume that responsibility in all games in our future, so as to move forward,” asserted the Portuguese today, before agreeing with captain Albelda’s statements from yesterday.
Reports are that Fernando Gago expressed his desire to leave the club to President Manuel Llorente in front of the rest of the dressing room upon being told of Pellegrino’s sacking.
“It is very important not to assess other people, if you are not comfortable in a team then it is logical for you to go, there are a thousand teams in Europe and if you are not happy, you go.
“We must all fight for this shirt. We are all responsible, we are a team and we have to be responsible, we have to step up.
“Our mentality must change, we have a new Coach and tomorrow a very important game.”
That game is the final group stage match of their Champions League campaign, away to Lille.
“A game in the Champions League is always special, but of course we are feeling a bit down right now, we have to do things right.
“We did not do well at the weekend and we want to rectify it and tomorrow the team will certainly show face, to try and get all three points.”
Los Che are already qualified for the Last 16 of the Champions League, but could still secure top spot in their group if they win and Bayern Munich fail to beat BATE Borisov.
“It is a very important match for Valencia, for the image of the team. We are going out there to get some points and we hope that Bayern will not win their game to take first place. We will play with all our desire to win, we are a strong team and we will try to reach the final.”
