Levante's Moreno ready to face Madrid with heads held high at the Bernabéu

Argentine centre-back Matías Moreno isn’t planning to roll over when Levante visit the Santiago Bernabéu this weekend, insisting his team won’t arrive with their tails between their legs despite facing the Spanish giants.

From Fiorentina frustration to Levante linchpin

The ‘Granota’ defender has become a crucial part of Levante’s backline this season after struggling for minutes at Fiorentina. Moreno’s trajectory at the club has been steadily upward, and he’s now established himself as a mainstay in defence.

“I came with the objective of getting minutes that I didn’t have at Fiorentina,” Moreno explained. “Coming here was ideal for me, and I think that confidence shows on the pitch alongside my teammates.”

Castro’s impact on defensive solidity

Since Luís Castro’s arrival as manager, Levante have shown notable defensive improvement, with Moreno highlighting how the new gaffer’s philosophy has transformed their approach:

• The entire team defends as a unit, including forwards making “enormous efforts” defensively
• Players started with a clean slate under Castro, raising training intensity
• More progressive, attacking football is gradually being implemented

“The manager’s idea is for all eleven players to defend together,” Moreno noted. “Being united as a team improves our defensive phase significantly.”

Bernabéu challenge awaits

Despite facing the daunting task of playing at the Bernabéu, Moreno is refusing to be intimidated by the occasion. The defender sees it as an opportunity rather than something to fear.

“We know it will be difficult, but we won’t go with our heads down,” Moreno declared. “It’s a special stadium that you enjoy, but without stopping competing.”

While acknowledging Madrid are “one of the best teams in the world,” Moreno also suggested they’re going through “a strange moment” – perhaps referencing their recent form hiccups under Carlo Ancelotti.

Future plans

Amid speculation about his future, Moreno seems content at Levante for now. The centre-half clearly values the trust placed in him and has no interest in entertaining transfer talk during the January window.

“I’m very happy here. When I’m happy somewhere, I enjoy it to the maximum,” he stated, brushing off questions about his contractual situation like a proper diamond geezer.

Moreno remains ambitious for Levante’s season, expressing belief that the squad has the quality to climb higher in the table despite their current struggles near the bottom.