Valera warns Valencia ahead of Mestalla return: 'Teams on bad runs can be even more dangerous'
Former Valencia man Germán Valera returns to Mestalla with Elche looking for their first away win, while acknowledging the special nature of facing his old club.
Elche forward Germán Valera is set for an emotional return to his former stomping ground as his side take on struggling Valencia at Mestalla.
Homecoming with a twist
Not ‘alf a special occasion for Valera this one, as he prepares to face his former employers at one of Spanish football’s most iconic venues. The Elche attacker has been refreshingly honest about what this fixture means to him personally.
“Estamos intentando buscar la primera victoria fuera de casa,” Valera explained, highlighting Elche’s search for that elusive first away win of the campaign. It’s not exactly going to be a walk in the park though, is it?
Mestalla remains one of the most intimidating venues in Spanish football, something Valera knows all too well from his time at Valencia. The atmosphere can be proper tasty when the home crowd gets going.
No warm welcome expected
Valera’s under no illusions about the reception he’s likely to get. Despite Valencia’s current struggles, he expects the home crowd to be right up for it from the first whistle:
- The crowd will back their team from minute one
- Valencia’s supporters are notoriously demanding
- The Mestalla faithful always push their team towards victory
Danger warning
Interestingly, Valera believes Valencia’s poor form might actually make them more dangerous opponents, not less. It’s a shrewd observation from a player who clearly understands the psychology of the game.
“When a team is experiencing a bad run, they can be even more dangerous,” he warns his Elche teammates. The message from Valera is crystal clear - Elche need to focus on their own game and continue playing the way they have been.
Personal renaissance
The forward also took time to reflect on his own improved form this season, attributing it to his happiness at Elche. Finding the right environment has clearly worked wonders for his confidence and performance levels.
Valera even showed remarkable maturity when discussing his Valencia exit, expressing gratitude for the honesty shown when he was told he wasn’t in the club’s plans. That’s proper class from the lad, showing there’s no hard feelings as he returns to his old manor.
With Elche looking to build on a strong end to 2025, Valera’s focus is firmly on taking it one game at a time as they head into the intimidating cauldron of Mestalla.