European success buoys Vicente

Vicente Rodríguez's return to fitness after an ankle problem has come as welcome relief to a Valencia CF side in the midst of an injury crisis. While their domestic form has suffered, they can draw strength from their performances in the UEFA Champions League which have assured them top place in Group D with a game to spare. Victory away to AS Roma FC on Tuesday could even see them finish the group stage with the best record of any team. After featuring just once in the competition this season Vicente is keen to be a part of the action again. The 25-year-old midfielder talks to uefa.com.

uefa.com: What do you make of Valencia's form in the UEFA Champions League this season?

Vicente: It's been a brilliant run. With one match to go we’re one of the few teams already through as group winners. That gives us a feeling of strength and of being capable of playing good football and winning away games. We beat Olympiacos [CFP] 4-2 in Greece and Roma here. There’s still a match to go but we're already through and that’s not easy to do these days.

uefa.com: Valencia lost for their fourth league match in succession against RC Recreativo de Huelva on Saturday. How do you explain the difference in Valencia's form in Spain and Europe?

Vicente: It’s difficult to explain. One reason is the number of injuries we’ve had. The team is always motivated a little bit more by the six group stage games in the UEFA Champions League. We need to be more consistent in the league, and as I said, the number of injuries we’ve had has affected our results.

uefa.com: Which coach have you learned most from?

Vicente: You learn from all your coaches. Héctor Cúper my first coach gave me the chance to play my first games in the UEFA Champions League [Vicente made his group stage debut in a 1-0 defeat against SC Heerenveen in September 2000]. I have good memories of him and hold him in high esteem. I was very young at that time but he let me play a lot. All my coaches [Rafael] Benítez, [Claudio] Ranieri and Quique [Sánchez Flores] have taught me something.

uefa.com: How do you handle the pressure from supporters and the press?

Vicente: Valencia have grown a lot in recent years. Winning the league, reaching UEFA Champions League finals and winning the UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Cup has turned Valencia into a great club in Spain and Europe. Whether you like it or not, people talk about Valencia. Pressure is good for everyone, the club and the players. It means we’re at the top fighting alongside the biggest teams.

uefa.com: What aspects of your game would you most like to improve?

Vicente: I can still improve in every aspect. When you’re young you keep on improving. Everyday you learn new things, from every new experience.

uefa.com: Do you have a favourite player?

Vicente: No, but you always watch other players who play in your position, such as Ryan Giggs at Manchester United [FC]. He is the player in my position I like the most.

uefa.com: If you had to leave Valencia, where would you most like to play?

Vicente: If I ever left Valencia I would have to play outside Spain, in a league such as the English one. But I want to stay here for many more years and finish my career here.