Villareal coach Javi Calleja says the introduction of Samuel Chukwueze and other substitute was key to Villareal’s 1-0 win at Celta Vigo in Saturday’s LaLiga, Completesports.com reports.
Chukwueze was introduced in the 58th minute for Gerard Moreno and had a hand in Villareal’s late goal in the 91st minute by another substitute Manuel Trigueros.
The 2019 AFCON bronze medal winner hit a low shot which was goal bound but was blocked.
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Luckily Trigueros was quickest to react to the rebound and put it into the back of the net to give the yellow submarine the win.
And speaking in Monday’s press conference ahead of his team’s game against Mallorca on Tuesday, Calleja said: “Everyone who took the field against Celta was convinced to give their best. It was demonstrated. We are close to Europe and many points to dispute.
“We must continue what we did in Vigo. It will not be easy, but we are very excited and believe in what we do. With the five changes we have more possibilities of dosing the players during the matches.
“The team played a great game in Vigo. The changes were key and surely they will be in the rest of the days.”
Calleja said securing a second consecutive victory would be very important for Villareal: “Achieving two consecutive victories is essential. Maintaining the level is key. We have to maintain a regularity and more at this stage of the season.
“The last 10 matches mark your goal and are the most important. I see the team plugged in and convinced of what it does. ”
And analysing Mallorca and the danger they pose, Calleja said: “Mallorca players are dangerous in attack. Against Barcelona they generated occasions. We had a bad time there because they were forceful every time they passed the center of the field.
“I expect a complicated rival. Mallorca is playing for permanence. It is playing with different systems and they always stand up to us. ”
Villareal are currently in eight position on 41 points and are five points away from sixth which is the Europa League qualification spot.
By James Agberebi
