Gonzalez wants to wrap up group and focus on domestic toils
Villarreal defender Alvaro Gonzalez is hoping his side take care of their Europa League business against Rangers so they can turn their attention back to their stuttering Laliga form.
The Spanish side have arrived in Glasgow looking for the victory at Ibrox tonight which will seal their place in the last 32. However, while the Yellow Submarine top Group G, they currently sit just three points above the relegation zone in their domestic league. Boss Javier Calleja has come under pressure after leading his side to just four wins out of 18 games this term, but centre-back Gonzalez says victory over Steven Gerrard’s side will allow his team to put all their efforts into their fight for survival back home.
“If we qualify then we can focus on the league for this month,” he said. “We can be a bit more calm and try to climb up the table, then after Christmas we can try to achieve all the aspirations we have.
“We know that Rangers have some players who play the typical British style but we have to show what we did when we won at home to Real Betis on Sunday. We believe in our play. We can cause
Rangers problems and punish them.”
However, Calleja admits he is ready to rest some of his top stars against Rangers.
Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Betis at El Madrigal was Villarreal’s first league win since September but the task will only get tougher this weekend with a trip to Barcelona beckoning.
Calleja said: “There will be changes because we have a difficult game on Sunday against Barcelona. Some people need rest so there will be changes to the team that played on Sunday.”
Gerrard believes Rangers’ Europa League rivals would have viewed his side as “comfortable opposition” when the group-stage draw was made. But Gonzalez insists his side will give the Light Blues full respect.
He said: “After playing for several years in the Europa League, we cannot say any team is easy. In fact, it’s to the contrary. We have played for several years in this competition and know all the teams are difficult, even the teams who are less well known.
“We have no excuses. All the teams are good sides, they have qualified to be here. We know Rangers has a beautiful stadium with a great atmosphere and if they have made it this far it means they are a good side.
“From a young age you dream of playing in a stadium like this. We’re going to have to enjoy the stadium and the atmosphere and try to make the most of the occasion by getting the win.”