Leon grateful to Plaza for recovery

Pedro Leon has discussed Atletico Madrid’s title credentials, his own side’s test this weekend and his struggles to return to form after injury.

The tricky winger is in his second season back with Getafe and ahead of his side’s home match in Week 6, took a number of questions from the assembled media today.

First on the agenda for the Real Madrid-owned player was discussing Atletico Madrid’s start to the season, which after Wednesday’s win at Real Betis, sees them sit in second.

“They can fight for it. I do not know what will happen, but it is clear that there are two teams that always fight for the League and that if Atletico continues then they can fight to be at the top,” he told reporters today.

“Honestly I do not care, what interests me is my team and my targets, but if Atletico maintains their current levels then they can fight for the League.”

Getafe’s targets begin with three points this Monday at home to Mallorca.

“Clearly we have played only five games and we have taken four points and are fourth from the bottom, but we are calm.

“The team knows that last weekend was not a performance at the level that is intended and we know that on Monday we face a difficult opponent in Mallorca, who have 11 points and are doing things right.

“Mallorca’s style of play is one you may like or not like, but they are up there. They are a team that is dangerous and we will have to be at our best to have a chance of getting the three points.”

Leon has endured a difficult couple of seasons, barely playing for Real Madrid in 2010-11 for technical reasons and then struggling for game time upon his return to Getafe through injury.

He took time to acknowledge Luis Garcia Plaza’s role in giving him the confidence and the patience in which to recover.

“My primary objective is to recover 100 per cent to my previous level. Two years ago I did not have a good season, but last year was almost worse with the injuries.

“It was a very bad year for me and I am just now picking up the pace again.

“I’m not making excuses, but I still hope, and would like to thank the Coach, because when things are going well it is easy, but when a player wants to give everything and doesn’t do well then it is a lot harder.

“With the minutes that the Coach has given me, every game I feel better.”

The player was asked of the potential of he and his teammates this season and if Europe was a realistic target, but he was pragmatic in his response.

“Since I began my career I have always tried to be cautious and talk on the pitch. I could sit here and say we’re going to go for Europe or for the League, but then if you go out on the pitch and do not play in the same way then you can look foolish.

“You must think before you speak, improve in the field. It is true that we have a good squad, but our rivals also have good players.”

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