Moleiro says Villarreal know what to expect against Napoli

“We know what we are going to come up against,” Alberto Moleiro said ahead of Villarreal’s Champions League match against Napoli. The midfielder believes his team are approaching the fixture with confidence, encouraged by improved performances and a better feeling in recent weeks. He also believes the lessons of last season should give them greater ambition in the competition.

“We’re coming into this in a good moment. It took us time to get going, which is normal when a new coach arrives, because you need a period of adjustment. But we feel very good and our ideas are very clear,” he explained. He also said Villarreal know what kind of match to expect and how they need to approach it. “We’re sure tomorrow will go well. We have complete confidence,” he added.

Moleiro admitted that the previous campaign had left him with unfinished business. He nevertheless recalled Villarreal’s strong performance in their opening match against Borussia, in a difficult setting, and said he felt the team had even deserved a draw. “We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s match and to giving the supporters what we couldn’t last year in the Champions League: a win. For them, for us,” he said.

In his view, the competition demands intent from the outset: “You have to go for the three points from the first match, with ambition and desire. Whoever the opponent is, you have to keep your identity and your ambition.” Reflecting on the recent game at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid, he praised Villarreal’s ability to compete against one of the world’s best teams. He acknowledged that the match was still on his mind, but said the priority now was the next fixture and making use of the lessons from that performance. Personally, he said he was happy to play wherever he was asked. He also joked that Rafa Marín, whom he had spoken to during the week, had warned him he would give him “a lot of kicks”.