Pellegrino pleased with Levante revival

Valencia coach Mauricio Pellegrino has praised their city rivals Levante, and claims their good form has been positive for football in the city.

Levante finished sixth in the league last season, in just their second campaign back in the top flight after promotion, and are competing in the Europa League, while Valencia are in the Champions League.

Speaking ahead of the Liga meeting between the two sides on Sunday, Pellegrino feels Levante’s success is strengthening football in the local area.

“Well, I really liked what they did last season,” he said. “They have proven to be a team with everything.

“They have reached a historical period for the club that has strengthened them very much and luckily since last season, Levante brought another team to the city.

“A club that has been established in the first division in recent years and that is very good for the community because we have very good football in La Liga.

“I would like congratulate them for the work they have done. They are in the Europa League which is an important leap in terms of quality for all teams.

“So it’s good, I really like what I’ve seen, they have very good quality, a mix of experience and young players who make up an important team.”

Pellegrino also praised the focus of his own players, and said their mental strength was what would see them have a successful campaign.

“Well, for me the important thing is how games develop, how we adapt to it and the performance of my team,” he said.

“I like that my players are always focused and the result is a consequence of this.

“In football there are many things you cannot control, one of them is the result, but we always work on things where we feel we could have an impact. We cover all the aspects we need in a game.”