Paco Jemez has commended Celta Vigo for their form in the first half of the season ahead of Rayo Vallecano hosting Eduardo Berizzo’s side.
Jemez added that he wouldn’t be surprised if Celta maintained their good results for the rest of the campaign, rejecting the suggestion they have been riding their luck in any way.
“Celta have had a good start, have a very good team and are a pleasant surprise,” Jemez told reporters, according to AS.
“They have settled in a new division and it seems they want to try for more important things. They have a new Coach [Berizzo], players who have done well this year, [Fabian] Orrellana, [Joaquin] Larrivey and Nolito, and they are brining good things to the team.
“I don’t think it’s a fluke season. We have to give them a lot of respect because they are our opponent and we are very clear. We know what we have to do. We won’t change our approach.”
Jemez added that he wanted to keep hold of Larrivey, who quit Vallecas for Vigo over the summer, but says he holds no grudge.
“We would have liked Larrivey to stay here because he is a great person and a great professional,” Jemez went on.
“Everyone likes a player such as him and if he didn’t stay it’s because we couldn’t keep him. We have our limitations in that regard and however much we want them, we can’t retain players.
“He made a decision and I respect it because he gave us a lot.”
Jemez was asked about his contractual situation, with his existing deal due to expire at the end of the season.
“As much as it pains us, sooner or later the paths of clubs, players and Coaches change,” he said.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen, so we live day to day and enjoy it. We’re fighting to make an even better Rayo.
“People come and go and in the end, what remains is the club. I am personally very happy here.”
Rayo made the news for non-footballing reasons this weekend when it was revealed the club had stepped in to help an elderly woman from Vallecas who was evicted.
AS reports the 85-year-old defaulted on a loan for her son and was ordered out of her home, with the players and staff to help the woman, Carmen, find a solution.
A Press conference regarding the situation is due to be held next week, AS confirm.
