Pepelu Prepares for Emotional Clash at Mestalla Against Levante

omidbasir- It has been nearly 900 days since Pepelu’s departure from Levante, and the transfer still resonates strongly. The talented youth product switched sides for over five million euros in a deal that left a mark on the fans. This Friday, the midfielder will confront Levante for the first time at Mestalla, a match imbued with special significance. “We are eagerly anticipating the match. This is an important game for me and for the city. We hope it will be a great day. It will be a closely contested match. Levante UD is a strong team and is competing very well. A derby is always unique, and we must know how to control it and enhance our strengths,” he remarked in the club’s media.

Reflecting on the team’s dynamics, he stated, “After the last match against Real Betis, the team found a bit of the path to good football, which is essential. This break has only intensified our eagerness for the game and to maintain that continuity.”

Discussing his past with Levante, he noted, “It will be very special due to everything it signifies. The last derby was during my first and only year in the top division with Levante UD. A derby is always unique, and it was a balanced encounter.”

Regarding the atmosphere at Mestalla, he said, “It is a very challenging stadium for all teams, as history demonstrates. Mestalla provides tremendous support, and the passion from the fans is incredible. It has to be a special night, and we are confident that Mestalla will not disappoint and will greatly assist the team. Mestalla makes a difference. We are very grateful and intend to give our all to achieve victory.”

On the tactical variations within the team, he added, “As a team, we can implement different tactical variations, and recently we experimented with a different approach. Corberán is always looking to ‘find the key,’ and it worked out very well. We felt very comfortable, and everyone was able to enhance their strengths. Contributing to the team from each position allowed Valencia CF to display a strong identity.”

Addressing the urgency of the derby situation, he concluded, “We are quite similar in the standings. This is a derby; you don’t play with the classification in mind, but we need to approach it as an offensive Valencia that aims for victory. If we win, it could be a turning point for us. Victories are very reinforcing, and we have gone several matches without one. Achieving this in a derby could be that pivotal moment to look upward.”