Spaniards hoping for change of luck

Posted Thursday, October 01, 2009 by PA

Villarreal will be hoping a change of competition will bring about a change of luck as the out-of-sorts Spanish side prepare to take on in-form Salzburg in the Europa League.

The Yellow Submarine have suffered a dismal start to the Primera Division season under new coach Ernesto Valverde, picking up just two points from five games and having lost each of their last three outings.

That has left the 2008 runners-up in the bottom two of the standings and already 13 points off leading duo Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Fortunately for Villarreal, though, they are in better shape in the Europa League after beating Levski Sofia in their opening Group G clash and they can go clear at the top of the table if they can beat a Salzburg side who also won their first match, downing Lazio 2-1 in Rome.

"It's a different competition where we have to change our mindset. If we win we will take a giant step towards the following round," said midfielder Ruben Cani.

"We are a little concerned with the situation, but we're not afraid. We have faith in ourselves and we know that we are going to get out of this, and this is the moment to show that we are united.

"The key is to win to be able to gain confidence for the upcoming matches," added Cani, who admits they cannot afford to underestimate Salzburg

"If we think that Salzburg are an inferior team then we are not going to win."

Valverde has named a 19-man squad for the trip to Austria, with Diego Godin and Ariel Ibagaza missing because of fitness doubts and David Fuster omitted.

Gonzalo Rodriguez returns after suspension, while Robert Pires is included and could make his 100th official appearance for Villarreal on Thursday.

Salzburg have enjoyed a flying start to the season and, apart from that impressive win over Lazio in the Europa League, sit atop the Bundesliga with six wins and two draws from nine games.

Despite their good form and Villarreal's poor start to the season though, Salzburg boss Huub Stevens still believes his side need to be at their best to pick up a win.

He told the club's website: "For me Villarreal are, regardless of their current position in the table, one of the top five teams in the country which are European champions.

"We have to produce an exceptional performance to beat these opponents. But I am convinced that, with the necessary concentration and attitude, we are capable of a surprise in the Red Bull Arena."