Firstly, Duda is disappointed following Sunday’s defeat against Levante UD: “We need to put last weekend’s game behind us now. We dominated play until the final whistle, and moved well around the pitch, but luck wasn’t on our side. Levante maintained a strong defence and the goalkeeper saved every ball. We could have been there all day trying to score a goal, but the ball just wasn’t going to go in.”
Following the match against Levante, the Portuguese-born midfielder analyses the first round of the League competition this season: “I think it’s been very positive, although we could have earned a few more points by now. However we’re had a lot of new players and spent time adapting during the first part of the season.”
Duda says that Friday’s match against Valencia is taking up everyone’s attention on the team this week: “We always concentrate on each match at a time. On Friday we’re up against a tough rival so we need to keep doing what we’ve been doing and the good results will follow. Regardless of the fact that Valencia have the Copa del Rey, they’re used to playing midweek games, so Friday is going to be a difficult one for us. If we play like we did against Levante and have luck on our side, then I think we’ll have a good result. With regards to the next three matches, I’ve got no comment as yet.”
From a personal point of view, Duda is pleased with his performance recently, and always hopes to be able to support the team: “I work hard every day so the coach can count on me when he needs to. I’m here fighting for my place on the team, so I always train as hard as I can. Every match is different and the coach selects the right line-up for the right game. It’s important that we all focus on working hard.”
Regarding Pablo Pérez, Duda welcomed him to the team before his official presentation this evening: “He’s just arrived and needs to adapt to our style of football. Then we’ll see the true Pablo Pérez.”
Finally, the Portuguese-born player regrets Eusebio missing out, but congratulates his compatriot, Cristiano: “Cristiano truly deserves the Ballon d’Or following a fantastic season.”
