Rayo Vallecano vs Celta Vigo preview - Hernandez plays down expectations

Posted Saturday, November 22, 2014 by PA

Celta Vigo midfielder Pablo Hernandez believes expectations placed on him need to be more realistic, remarking that he is "not Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo".

The Chile international has only started five games for Celta since signing from O'Higgins in the summer for 1.5million euros (B#1.2m), scoring one goal and providing an assist.

But he insists he does not feel any extra pressure on his shoulders, and is certain he has the backing of coach Eduardo Berrizo.

"I was saying to a team-mate that I am not Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo, so I don't know what people expect of me," Hernandez told a press conference, quoted by Marca.

"In my position you just have to try and play and help the team play. I feel fine, I'm trying to do my job as best as I can, but I don't think people are expecting to see Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I'm Pablo Hernandez and Eduardo knows me and knows what he can get out of me. I always contribute my fair share to help the team to win."

Despite perceptions about Hernandez's performances, Celta are enjoying their best season since returning to the top flight, currently seventh in the Primera Division table.

The Galicians travel to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday and the Vallecas club's coach, Paco Jemez, was singing Berrizo's team's praises in his pre-match briefing.

"I am not surprised to see Celta doing so well because they have a great team," he told Marca.

"This year they have signed players they needed to sign and are having an excellent start to the season, playing fine football."

Rayo's encouraging start has been offset by a run of three consecutive defeats, in which they have conceded a total of 12 goals.

Although Jemez is renowned for being an attack-minded coach, he said his focus right now was to stop his side haemorrhaging goals.

"We will need to control the ball well, have it more than our opponents, and be aware defensively. From there on, we will look to create chances. We know that once we are able to keep clean sheets, we will start to win games."

The match will also see Celta striker Joaquin Larrivey return to the Estadio de Vallecas for the first time since leaving Rayo in the summer after a splendid solitary season.

"Larrivey really left his mark on the club, on the fans and on the players, and that's very difficult when you are only here for a year," said Jemez of the Argentinian, who scored 12 goals in 24 starts for Rayo and has already netted seven times for Celta.

Celta will be without Borja Oubina and Carles Planas due to injury, while Rayo are still missing left-back Emiliano Insua and reserve goalkeeper Tono.