Marcelino’s Valencia CF currently remain positioned ninth in La Liga with Los Che’s forthcoming La Liga encounter away against CD Leganés this Sunday at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque geared to be a turning point for the Spanish club aiming to rectify and recover from a relatively inconsistent first half of their 2018/2019 campaign.
Valencia meanwhile remain undefeated in their last seven games, whilst conceding five goals during this stretch. However, Valencia face a CD Leganés, managed by former Southampton manager, Mauricio Pellegrino, where the Argentinean has ushered CD Leganés to four wins in their previous seven fixtures; CD Leganés are presently three points adrift from Valencia in 13th place in La Liga.
Valencia, who have scored 24 and conceded 20 in La Liga in 2018/2019, have drawn their last three La Liga fixtures respectively.
Moreover, Valencia, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, were eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Group H this season in a group which also featured Serie A champions Juventus, Manchester United and Swiss Super League champions BSC Young Boys.
Marcelino’s side have indeed advanced to the final sixteen of the UEFA Europa League and will face Russian Premier League side Krasnodar in the first leg at the Mestalla Stadium on March 7. The second leg of the Valencia’s UEFA Europa League final sixteen tie will then be played at the Kuban Stadium on March 14.
Prior to Valencia CF’s La Liga encounter against CD Leganés this Sunday at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta briefly caught up with Valencia CF and Russia star, Denis Cheryshev, to discuss Los Che’s La Liga season, as well as the club’s major chances of cup success this season in the UEFA Europa League, coupled alongside the Russian sensation sharing his thoughts on Russia’s qualification for Euro 2020.
Dean Perretta: Denis, what are the main objectives for Valencia in the second part of this season?Denis Cheryshev: Continue with the good work we are doing (this season). We are still alive in the three competitions and what we want is to continue like this (recent form) and grow in the League.
Dean Perretta: How would you describe the general impact that Marcelino has had on you as a professional?
Denis Cheryshev: It has been vital. I met him (Marcelino) at a difficult stage for me and he helped me a lot. I think I understand their concepts (as a club) very well, what the player demands and I just want to continue learning (under his managerial guidance).
Dean Perretta: What is your opinion about the UEFA Nations League?
Denis Cheryshev: It is a beautiful competition that makes you play big matches with your team. We (Russia) could not win against Sweden (after losing 2-0) and climb a step (for promotion to UEFA Nations League Group 1), but in general, the sensations were very good.
Dean Perretta: Can you talk about the upcoming matches for Valencia throughout this month?
Denis Cheryshev: We have to certify the qualification to the second round (of the UEFA Europa League) against Celtic (in the round of 32), which will surely be a complicated game (in the second leg). In the league, we have to have a little more success because we aspire to be up and in the cup (Copa del Rey) is the very important game back against (Real) Betis (after drawing 2-2 in the first leg at the Estadio Benito Villamarín). That is vital for us.
Dean Perretta: Lastly, what are your thoughts on Russia’s group for Euro 2020 qualification?Denis Cheryshev: A very interesting group, with good teams (such as Belgium and Scotland). But we must give our best to qualify (for Euro 2020) because I trust that we can achieve it (during qualification).
