Valencia star ready for derby battle against Levante

One point. That is the razor-thin margin separating Valencia and city rivals Levante in the perilous depths of the LaLiga table.

As the El Derbi Valenciano looms this Friday, this isn't just a clash for bragging rights; it's a frantic, desperate battle for survival where every tackle, pass, and goal carries the crushing weight of relegation risk.

With Valencia winless in five league games and sitting in 17th place, all eyes turn to forward Arnaut Danjuma, who insists the derby is the perfect opportunity for the club to ignite their season.

In an interview with SuperSport ahead of the pivotal match, Danjuma emphasised the immense pressure and importance of securing all three points.

"We are really looking forward to the game. I think it is a very important match for us, and not just for us, but also for the city, the fans, and the entire team," Danjuma told SuperSport.

"To be honest, it’s a game that carries a lot of weight for everyone involved. We have approached this game just like any other game this season, with the same focus, preparation, and commitment.”

"For us, it is very important to concentrate on what we can do right and how we can challenge ourselves to perform at our best."

"We’ve been preparing for this match with everything we have, focusing on the details, and making sure that we are ready to give our best performance."

"All I can say is that this is an important game for us regardless of the opponent. Yes, playing against a team from the same city might bring an extra challenge or pressure, but apart from that, our main focus is on ourselves, on making sure that we do our jobs properly, execute our responsibilities on the pitch, and play the way we know we can.

'A CHANCE TO IMPROVE'

Moving beyond the rivalry, Danjuma views this match not just as an opportunity for points, but as a potential catalyst to kickstart a much-needed run of form.

"Looking back at our recent games, there are a few matches where we feel we could have performed better."

"One example is our last game against Real Betis at home. We ended up drawing that game, but I think we could have won. It was an important match for us, and compared to other games we’ve played, it felt completely different."

"We were much more competitive, more focused, and we had to deal with a team that wasn’t easy to play against," he says.

Danjuma believes that high-intensity match was the necessary preparation for the high-stakes derby.

"I think that particular game pushed us toward where we want to be. It tested us, it challenged us, and it reminded us of what we need to do to keep moving forward."

"The upcoming game is another one that can push us in the right direction. It is a match that gives us a chance to improve, to build on what we have done, and to continue striving toward the level we want to reach."

"We have been looking for opportunities like this for a while, and I think this game is one that we can really use to improve ourselves and grow as a team."

'THINGS CAN CHANGE QUICKLY IN FOOTBALL'

Despite the testing run of results, the forward confirmed that the spirit and morale within the Valencia camp remains fiercely optimistic, fuelled by their dedicated fanbase.

"The spirit in Valencia is always high. We are very lucky, and I would even say privileged, because we have a huge fan base that stays with us no matter what the results are. That is something very special."

"Their support is constant, and it motivates us to keep pushing, to keep working hard, and to always try to do better."

"Knowing that our fans are behind us makes a big difference. It gives us extra energy and helps us maintain a high level of focus and commitment," Danjuma adds.

He also credited the leadership for maintaining focus in a tough period.

"Apart from the fans, we also have a very good manager, someone who is always willing to push us toward our goals and make sure we don’t give up, no matter the situation."

"And we haven’t given up. In our last home game against Real Betis, we showed that we can compete at a high level."

"That match was a reminder that in football, things can change very quickly. A good result in the right moment can push us further and give us the confidence we have been looking for."

The El Derbi Valenciano kicks off this Friday, 21 November at 10pm SA time.

Catch all the drama, intensity, and crucial LaLiga action live on SuperSport.