Jemez: Rayo cannot be afraid

Paco Jemez has reflected on how Rayo Vallecano cannot afford to be afraid against Barcelona this weekend.

The Madrid minnows play host to the defending champions off the back of three consecutive defeats, including two 5-0 losses.

“We have great respect for the opponent, because they are a great team, but we cannot afford to be afraid,” mused Jemez at his pre-match Press conference.

“It is only one more game, we aren’t going to kill anyone. And I was taught from childhood to be brave no matter what happens.

“We have no complex or fear. Moreover, it is an honour and a pleasure for us to face Barcelona for another season.

“Also, this is the time for us to play Barca, this is a game where we can gain prestige.

“The differences between Barcelona and Rayo are clear, but in one game, anything can happen. We have to do things very well, tread lightly and make as few mistakes as possible, because they are specialists in taking advantage.

“If we are as we were against Atletico Madrid or Malaga then we will not have any chance. If we are as we were against Elche or Levante, although in the latter we lost, we have a chance and we will cling to that.

“It is very important to believe. Being a believer, to use a religious term, is an obligation. Still, we will also have to work.”

Jemez was asked of the Atletico Madrid defeat and the message he sent to his players post-match, where he hit out at them.

“Previous results do not matter. For us, it does not hurt. We are a humble team in this Division and this is a competition that can be rewarding.

“We have already experienced this last year. But we cannot afford the luxury of these rewards as they can be damaging.

“If we have to suffer then it will be like dogs. This is normal. The abnormal was what happened last year.

“The message [post-Atleti] was clear. When I said that we were a few feet above the ground, I said it because some believed we would be fine all season and that we would accomplish more by doing less.

“The rewards sometimes come in handy to know that other teams may need to put in 70 per cent, but we need to give 120 per cent. We either understood that soon or we have a season of sorrow.”

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