‘Valencia are favourites, but…’

Angel Rangel acknowledges that Valencia are group favourites, but says that his Swansea City side have what it takes to cause an upset.

The Premier League side are preparing for this Thursday’s trip out to Mestalla to face Miroslav Djukic’s side in the opening matchday of the Europa League group stages.

“We have been given what is seen as the toughest game to start with, but it’s something we are looking forward to,” Rangel considered to his club’s official website.

“Valencia are the favourites in the group, but if we stick to the way we play and do that well, then we always have a chance against teams.

“They had a bad result on the weekend, while we had a good point against Liverpool. Hopefully that will give us confidence going into this game.”

Spaniard Rangel moved across to Swansea in 2007, after playing through the lower leagues in Spain.

“I’ve never played in the top level in Spain, so obviously this is my chance. To play against a top team like Valencia at the Mestalla is something I am really looking forward to.

“I’ve not been to the stadium before, although I’ve watched numerous games there on the television.

“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to play at the top stadiums in Spain, and now I could experience it.

“It will be a very tough place to play – the fans will make a lot of noise and the stadium is very steep so it will feel like the supporters will be on top of us.

“But since we have been in the Premier League we have played at some massive stadiums with some great atmospheres, so that will help.

“This is a very exciting time for the players, the coaches and particularly the supporters who have followed the club through both the good and bad times.

“We are in the Europa League Group Stages playing against Valencia – that just shows how far we have come in a short space of time.”

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