Ricardo Costa holds Europa hopes

Ricardo Costa is optimistic for Valencia’s chances of progressing in the Europa League, even as he admits that their group is ‘difficult’.

Los Che are one of the early favourites to win this year’s edition of the competition, even after losing their opening group game at home to Swansea City.

Heading into the third round of group stage games at home to St Gallen, their captain has strengthened such talk.

“We have a lot of hopes for this competition, we want to go a long way and win the Europa League,” Costa has reflected this week in an interview with UEFA’s official website.

“Two seasons ago we were knocked out by Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, so this is another chance to win a title for Valencia.

“For this club it's normal to play in big competitions like this, and we want to achieve something positive, which would be to win this title.

“A player becomes more complete when he manages to win titles, when he wins big competitions.

“We have been handed a tough group. We are facing teams that are playing well, and they are demonstrating in their Leagues that they are strong.

“This is a nice competition. Certainly it is a difficult group for Valencia, but I am confident of our chances.”

Costa was part of the Porto side that won the UEFA Cup and Champions League in successive seasons under Jose Mourinho.

“I was lucky to share those years with a great Coach like Mourinho and with a great team.

“In two-and-a-half years we won almost all the European titles, we just missed the Super Cup, so hopefully I can this year with Valencia.

“Such situations for a player are important to achieve.”

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