Valencia midfielder David Albelda is preaching unity after his side’s 1-0 win at Osasuna on Saturday.
This time last week the veteran pointed some of his less committed colleagues towards the door , but after two wins in four days, over Lille and Osasuna, his message is more conciliatory.
“The reality of this sport is that no one person can fix things,” said the 35-year-old in an interview with AS. “If we do not rely on each other we cannot achieve anything. Without a President there would be nothing, without the Coach players are nobodies, and I’d be nothing without my teammates. When you are united everything is easier.”
Albelda, who was on the fringes before Mauricio Pellegrino’s sacking, has started both of the games played since Ernesto Valverde’s arrival.
“I didn’t play much at the beginning and I’ve noticed I need continuity. In the end it’s up to the Coach, we must abide by his decisions. I’m ready when I get the chance, to give a good performance in a position I’ve played for a long time.”
The former Spain international was reluctant to take credit for Los Che’s new found defensive solidity, and explained his lack of celebration at full time in Pamplona.
“The solidarity against Osasuna was in all areas of the pitch, we should mention the tireless work of [Pablo] Piatti and [Sofiane] Feghouli, the pressure of Tino [Costa] and Ever [Banega].
“We were happy about the win because it gave us a little air, but we must continue pressing the accelerator.”
Albelda then confronted the issue of retirement.
“Nobody is eternal, football has moods. Last week everyone thought I was going to retire, now they think I’m going to play for five years more, but what’s important is that I’m satisfied with how I worked against Osasuna, I felt comfortable, with fantastic sensations for a 35-year-old.”
