Levante boss Juan Ignacio Martinez is hoping his side can beat Rayo Vallecano tomorrow to end a great year on a suitably high note.
The Granotes shocked Spain by finishing sixth in La Liga last season and with the final fixture of 2012 just over 24 hours away that’s the position they are occupying again.
“Rayo are tough opponents, they are in good form, with a good amount of points,” JIM told reporters before setting off for Vallecas. “They are a daring team that always looks towards the opposition goal.
“Hopefully in 2013 we can continue with this dynamic, but you cannot relax. You cannot always have your chest out. We must be prepared.”
The former Albacete boss is especially keen to avoid the kind of mid-season blip they suffered last season.
“This year it is very difficult to match the winning streak that we had. We have a significant number of points, but I’m reminded that that last year after the Christmas break we did not win a game.”
Martinez is also looking forward to the Europa League draw, and laughed off the idea that his side could draw an ‘easy’ team.
“Easy? For Levante in Europe? They’re crazy. For us, every game will be difficult.”
A poll in the local paper Superdeporte shows that 38 per cent of Levante fans want to draw Chelsea, with Liverpool the next most popular response at 16 per cent.
