Juan Carlos Valeron wants Las Palmas to enjoy life in the Primera and wants the fans to keep the faith amid the inevitable hard times.
It was put to Valeron in an interview with AS that Las Palmas’ summer results don’t bode well for the season ahead, but the 40-year-old dismissed the suggestion friendlies mean that much.
“With all the pre-seasons I’ve done I can tell you that sometimes they go badly and then all goes well in the League, and vice-versa,” he countered.
“The important thing is the group that was promoted last year. We have the same group.
“There isn’t a lot of advice I can give. This is a group of good professionals, eager to succeed. Now they have to experience things themselves and it’s no good to just tell them about it.
“When we play our first matches, they will adapt and grow as players.
“I’m not the only one who has to be a leader. All of the experienced players do, to try and bring things to the locker room that are important beyond what happens on the pitch.
“That’s part of the normal dynamic of a team. If the Coach thinks I can help on the pitch, I will do my best.
“We have to be prepared [for losing three or four in a row]. I’m not concerned with how the players will cope but the fans. They have to understand that this is our first year [in the Primera] and there will be moments of difficulty.
“We need the help of the people and we must face it in the best way. We know our fans. They are very passionate and love to look well upon their team.
“We understand that and we have to worry about playing well. And when we play at Estadio Gran Canaria, we have to enjoy it.”
