Paco Jemez sees the Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid this weekend as a ‘spectacular opportunity’ to show what his Rayo Vallecano side are capable of.
The capital minnows are preparing for Sunday night’s fixture currently five places and three points ahead of their neighbours. Jemez may see that as counting for little, but he is looking forward to the test all the same.
“From the previous three games, we are undefeated at this time, but we know that it will not be easy,” he reflected in today’s conference.
“It’s a game that has much potential and I want my players to not suffer in the field, to instead go out and show what they are capable of.
“This is a spectacular opportunity to demonstrate what we have inside.
“Atletico is in great form and I do not think that they will be affected by the international break.
“They are a team that leaves very little room for error, we have to try to be ourselves, to be vertical on the pitch and take care not to make any mistakes.”
The former defender was asked again about Radamel Falcao’s presence in attack for the home side.
“Falcao is one of the best strikers in the world and it is a challenge to stop a player like that, but Atletico is much more than just Falcao.
“Those who try to stop him must need a sixth sense, because he is one of the best, but we will not change our style of play for him.”
