‘Valencia want third, but…’

Victor Ruiz has mused on the difficulty Valencia face in catching Atletico Madrid for third, and has commented on the possibility now of more playing time.

A difficult start to the season for Los Che coupled with Atletico’s 100 per cent start to the season sees a points gap of nine already opened up, as talk of a title push for Los Colchoneros is encouraged.

“It is early to say that the League is between three teams, but it is true that Atletico have started very well,” Ruiz has reflected to reporters today.

“It will be difficult to recover the points gap to Atletico. But we will fight for third place, which brings with it qualification to the Champions League.”

The versatile left-sided is facing increased chances of game-time at Mestalla this season, with Adil Rami set to exit this week for Milan after a fall-out.

“It is not a theme that I have to comment on. Adil and the club have reached a decision and it will be good for both parties. I cannot say much more than that.

“Will I play more at centre-back now? That will be down to the Coach. It is more usual to have two right-footed centre-backs than two lefties [Ruiz and Jeremy Mathieu].

“But, I have played on the right-hand side and I have felt comfortable. The three of us can do well.

“It is not easy but when I have been called upon I have been at a good level. It is up to the Coach and I have to push in training for the opportunity again.

“It is down to the Coach, whilst the sporting director will decide if another defender is needed, it is not for me to decide.

“Would I move back to midfield? This season I have not played there. The past year there were circumstances that made for it and I played there for several games.

“The Coach knows that I can play in that position. I have felt comfortable there, in some difficult games.”

Tags Rami Victor Ruiz
La Liga - Club News