Ricardo Costa: I’m at my best

Valencia’s centre-back Ricardo Costa has reflected on his self-proclaimed career best form, as well as looked ahead to the weekend’s test at Malaga.

The defender is enjoying a strong start to the new campaign and has helped turn Valencia’s early struggles around, with the team now unbeaten from the last six played in all competitions.

“This is my best time, in footballing terms, I have confidence and the capacity to help my teammates and to enjoy my football,” the 31-year-old told reporters today.

“I’m living every day like it is the last. That makes me want to make history in Valencia. When I joined this club it was to win a title and we’re working for that every day.”

Next up for Los Che is a clash with Malaga this weekend, which represents a meeting between two candidates aiming for a top four finish.

“We are ready to play on Saturday in Malaga, we are whether at home or away. Results have not helped us much, but we are now on a winning streak and although we should not decline in performance anyway, it is motivation to do well in Malaga.

“The important thing now is to fight to get into the Champions League qualification places. We’re close, but we must be careful with Malaga, who have a great team.

“It is clear to us that we must be stronger and more consistent in the League, and to not drop many points away from home, because at home we are doing very well.”

The Portuguese international revealed that he had spoken with young defensive teammate Antonio Barragan, who was criticised in midweek for his red card in the match with Bayern Munich.

“I spoke with him a little. He was doing an excellent job and received a yellow for a foul on Ribery that was perhaps unfair.

“When you are playing whilst angry, sometimes you have the feeling that you are fast and you expect to arrive on time for a challenge, and then you do not arrive.

“It was an act for which he will learn and he will never repeat.”

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