Pellegrini’s statements:
(The assement of the win). “It was an important win against a great opponent which plays some interesting football. We played a very complete game; Bilbao didn’t get too near our goal as we applied the pressure well. On the other hand, we created some clear chances and we could’ve sealed the deal before and gone on to look for a second goal.”
(Analysis of the clash). “They were two teams who gave the game’s form top priority. We won against a great opponent and I’m sure that Bilbao is going to be a very important time as we move through the matches. I know Marcelon Bielsa, I know how his teams play; his is a very interesting idea for his team. Keeping the scoreboard on zero always allows you to pay with more confidence, which is based on performance and knowing how to defend.”
(Cazorla). “It was more luck than Santi’s quality that got us on the scoreboard. I’ve known him since he was a reserve, he then went to the First Division, he continued maturing at Recreativo, and each year he’s better than the last. At Villareal, he didn’t take so many free-kicks as there were other great, powerful players. He’s been perfecting himself and it’s always good to have someone to open-up a game when it has been closed.”
(Champions position). “Assessment is done week by week. Today we knew that if we won we would be in Champions positions in the league; but we have to beat every rival without having any prefixed objective. We now have to have the conviction to face Zaragoza to defend the points we have. It’s a fine line between winning and losing.”
