Midfielder Jonathan Vila says Celta Vigo’s players have not let their minds stray towards the Copa del Rey tie against Real Madrid.
Celta play host to Jose Mourinho’s Madrid at Balaidos next Wednesday but have a La Liga game to contend with first, against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
“Nobody is talking in the locker room about Madrid,” the 26-year-old told reporters earlier today. “Because we are all aware of the importance of winning in Bilbao to ward off a direct rival.”
Celta and Athletic are locked together in 14th and 15th positions respectively, with only goal difference edging the Galicians ahead.
Vila, a midfielder by trade, may be drafted into the defence to replace the suspended Gustavo Cabral, and is not intimidated by Los Leones dual aerial threats Fernando Llorente and Aritz Aduriz.
“They are two players who always complicate the lives of defences. Strong and great in the air. It will be a very demanding game.
“But I really want to continue demonstrating what I can do. I have to take advantage of every opportunity and keep improving, and what better way to do that than at San Mames, with all that venue means for Spanish football.”
