Hugo Duro: "There’s still a lot of work to do, and Friday’s match against Sevilla FC is very important" | OneFootball

Valencia CF striker Hugo Duro appeared before the media on Wednesday, April 9, in the press room at the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna to discuss the team's good form, the victory over Real Madrid, and the upcoming match against Sevilla FC.

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The team “The dressing room is happy, it was a really joyful moment, but there’s still a lot of work to do and Friday we have a very important game to keep climbing up the table.”

His goal “It was very special. Things hadn’t been going great for me. I’m happy for myself and for the people who support me and put up with me—I’m really happy for them.”

Striking partners “That’s what a squad is for, so the coach has different options. The important thing is that whoever plays gives their all. The team is doing very well, and that’s also thanks to how hard everyone trains and stays ready. I feel comfortable playing, no matter who I’m with.”

The league table “After suffering for so long, we’re focused on the main goal right now, which is to avoid relegation. Once we achieve that, this team and this Club can’t afford to relax. We must fight to finish as high as possible.”

Goal scorers “Everyone’s happy for everyone. What matters is the team—it doesn’t matter who scores.”

Sevilla FC’s situation “I don’t really pay attention to others. I focus on our team. I know they’re not doing well right now, but they’re a big club in Spain and eventually, they’ll be back where they’ve been in recent years.”

Second half of the season “Things have changed. Comparisons can be unfair. We worked a certain way with Rubén, and with Carlos it’s different. During the final period with Rubén, we weren’t doing well. None of us were. Carlos has brought a strong work ethic from day one. The team has embraced that, and luck plays a part too. We’re working very hard and the results are reflecting that.”

Scoring stats “My goal every year is to improve on the last. I take it day by day. Right now, I have 8 goals, and honestly, that feels short for me this season. I hope to score more and help the team.”

Club growth “I renewed because the Club gave me two opportunities when things weren’t going well. I’m a grateful person in life, and when no one in LaLiga wanted me, Valencia CF believed in me. Even after a terrible year, they still supported me, and I owe the Club for that. On top of that, I found stability in this city that makes me really happy every day. Playing at Mestalla gives me life, training with my teammates, being around Club staff—it all lifts me. That’s the main reason I renewed. I’ll always want to push this team forward. I’m ambitious. I want to help Valencia CF be as high as possible, and I’ll work hard to make that happen. I’ll always be grateful to the Club.”

Carlos Corberán “He’s an incredible coach. Extremely hardworking, ambitious, and he prepares everything down to the smallest detail. I’d never seen anything like it. With a coach like him, it’s hard not to improve as a team or individually because he makes everything clear. What matters is that he gets the best out of the players, and he’s doing that.”

Future captain “It would be an honor. I need to work hard and improve in many areas to be a role model. I try every day. It’s something I dream about. I envy Gayà in a good way—seeing how respected he is, how many matches he’s played. I want to be someone who’s remembered here, both as a player and as a person. I need to earn the respect of the fans and my teammates.”

The Club “The word is ambition—from the Club to the players. We can’t afford not to be among the top teams in Spain. If we’re not right now, it’s because there are things to improve. We need to find those solutions—those of us who play and those who don’t. With hard work, we’ll find the answers, and together, the Club will move forward. I’m sure everyone’s working on solving the issues so that Valencia CF returns to where it belongs. Sooner or later, it will happen.”

Diego López “We get along great. We’re together all day—we’re neighbors. I hope he scores more goals than I do. I really care for him. He listens, works hard, stays quiet, and does what he’s told. He comes from a very hardworking family, and it’s rare to see someone so humble in the First Division. Whatever success he achieves, I’ll be like a big brother cheering him on.”

Goals against FC Barcelona and Real Madrid “I’m motivated for every match. I want to score as many goals as possible and help the team. These types of opponents give you more space, and that suits me. I always score against them.”

Valencia CF and the city “It’s my life. Professionally, I’m representing a Club that, historically, is one of the biggest in Spain. It’s a huge honor for me—this Club is massive. Everyone who works here—journalists, fans—the passion it generates is unbelievable. Valencia, the city, is my life. I got married at Mestalla. I hope I can stay here until I retire, and even after that, I’ll still be here.”