Valencia’s Roberto Soldado freely admits breaking up Real Madrid and Barcelona’s duopoly of La Liga represents ‘a tall order’.
Valencia realised their goal of claiming third place last term, but finished a staggering 39 points behind the title-winning Real.
And, for Soldado, such a deficit is unacceptable for a club of Valencia’s stature.
“We all have to give a little more. We cannot settle for what we did last year,” the 27-year-old told Marca. “That’s our aim and our mentality. We believe we can do even better this season.
“We’re all eager to hit the ground running. It’s going to be a difficult year, but we’re convinced we can have a good season and try to improve on last year.
“Madrid and Barca lead the way in the league. We’ll do our best to challenge them. But we know that it will be a tall order.”
However, Soldado is confident that the appointment of former defender Mauricio Pellegrino as coach will bring the best out of Valencia’s players.
“He’s really up for it and he knows the club,” the Spain international said. “His approach is going to have a really positive effect.”
Meanwhile, Valencia have strengthened their squad with the signing of Andres Guardado from Deportivo La Coruna and the Mexico winger is confident of making a big impact.
“I have had a solid career, with two World Cups and a long journey that will help me meet this challenge with greater maturity,” he said.
No side other than Madrid or Barca have won the title since Valencia were crowned champions at the end of the 2003/04 campaign.
