Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Alex Bergantinos has defended Levante from accusations that they are a dirty team.
Depor, currently 18th, take on the 6th placed Granotes at Riazor on Sunday in a midday kick off. Levante have come under the spotlight after their 2-1 loss to Real Madrid last weekend. Cristiano Ronaldo had to be substituted after being elbowed by David Navarro and there were reported scuffles in the tunnel post match.
“We hear a lot more about these things when teams play Madrid or Barcelona,” Bergantinos remarked at a Press conference.
“Navarro's action may have been fortuitous. I don't think Levante are a dirty team. Yes they commit more fouls than others and are strong, but I don't think they're dirty.”
The Blanquiazules go into the game under a cloud having run into some severe financial difficulties, but Bergantinos, born and raised in La Coruna, is unfazed.
“We are working with tranquillity. Many teams have been through these situations and Deportivo have the luck of social support. We are unlikely to fall apart.
“My contract renewal is independent of the situation,I have three years left and in that time I think it will be resolved.”
The 27-year-old believes good results on the field can have direct consequences on events off it.
“If we are doing well and can keep the team in the Primera, then it is easier to solve the problems of the club. It is important to win at home against a tough opponent and psychologically it is important to see ourselves out of the relegation zone.”
