Valencia striker Jonas believes that the fight for the Champions League places this season will be even more difficult than before.
The 28-year-old has even conceded that his side may struggle to qualify for Europe's premier club competition, having witnessed the early season performances of Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Malaga.
“This season will be more difficult than the last,” he told a Press conference today.
“I am seeing teams like Atletico Madrid, Sevilla and Malaga that are gaining more confidence and are playing well.”
The former Gremio man also admitted that Los Che have to start picking up points, or risk being left behind by the likes of Barcelona, and was frank in assessing his own start to the campaign.
“The other teams are picking up points, and we are not. We have to start doing it now. We must not only win at home, but play well for consecutive games.
“We are already seven points off of second and third.
“I am unhappy about my game,” he then reflected. “But I am calm that I will return to normal. I know I have a lot of work to do, but hopefully I can start scoring goals and making assists like last season.”
Jonas concluded by praising the work done by new boss Manuel Pellegrino.
“For me, he is doing a terrific job. The season is starting properly now, and we need to regain confidence.
“I think we're going to grow though, and I believe he can be as successful a Coach as he was a player.”
