Valera’s Emotional Return to Mestalla

Returning to Mestalla is not just another match for Germán Valera. The Elche forward candidly acknowledges, “Whenever you return to a club where you have played, it is a special match.” This homecoming is filled with emotions for a player who understands the pressures of the Valencia environment, and he will now face it from the opposing side, with the added challenge of seeking their first away victory: “We are trying to secure our first win on the road, although we know that Mestalla is a very challenging stadium that creates a lot of pressure.”

Valera does not anticipate a lukewarm welcome; quite the opposite. Despite Valencia’s precarious situation, the winger is certain that the fans will support their team from the outset: “I believe that from the very first moment, they will be behind their team. Their supporters are very demanding but always strive to push for a victory,” he warns about the atmosphere he will encounter in a stadium he knows intimately.

He is also cautious regarding the rival’s current form. His past experience with Valencia serves as a reminder of the potential danger: “When a team comes from a challenging dynamic, they can be even more dangerous.” Therefore, the message is straightforward: “We need to be ourselves and play as we have been playing.”

On a personal level, Valera reflects on the transformation he has experienced this season. “The most important thing is to feel comfortable, have a calm mindset, and feel confident. When you come to a place where you feel happy and enjoy playing football, everything looks different,” he explains, emphasizing his development and contribution to the game.

His time at Valencia also lingers in his memory, particularly due to the candidness he encountered during that period: “It is never pleasant to be told that you are not counted upon, but I appreciate their honesty,” he recalls, revealing a sense of respect and maturity towards a past that now propels him forward.

With January approaching and Mestalla on the horizon, Valera encapsulates his thoughts with a simple yet ambitious idea: “We need to take it one game at a time, try to earn points, and maintain the momentum we finished the year with.” This special reunion, a pending score away from home, and a venue that requires no introduction await. Mestalla is ready.