Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez says he hopes his team can take a leaf out of Levante’s book and become the surprise team of the season.
The Valencia-based club surpassed all expectations last term by finishing a creditable sixth and qualifying for European competition, and former Cordoba Coach Jemez sees no reason why Rayo cannot perform a similar feat.
“Hopefully we can be the revelation team that there usually is every season but we will need to be brave,” he told Marca.
The next two fixtures see Los Franjirrojos remain in the Spanish capital with a visit to the Vicente Calderon to face Atletico Madrid next week followed by Real Madrid in Vallecas a week later.
It is in these two games where Jemez insists his players must show the necessary courage if they are to take anything from either.
“It is impossible to beat these teams if you go onto the pitch with fear. If you wait to see what happens then you have no chance,” he explained, while warning that special attention must be paid to Radamel Falcao.
“It’s going to be pretty challenging to mark someone who is the best number nine inside the penalty box in the world.”
Jemez also took time to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation at Real Madrid, something he feels people in Spain have overreacted to.
“In this country we give too much importance to things we shouldn’t do. Cristiano says he is sad and the whole country trembles, and that makes me sad.
“Even so, it makes no difference as he is capable of winning a game like he did against Granada.”
