Espanyol vs Levante preview - Caicedo out to make a point

Posted Friday, November 28, 2014 by PA

Espanyol striker Felipe Caicedo has admitted he still needs to prove his worth to the Catalan club as they prepare to play host to one of his former sides Levante on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Ecuador international joined in the summer from Qatari outfit Al Jazira as Espanyol's marquee signing but has scored just once in 10 appearances.

He told a press conference: "I know that I'm not playing at my best and that this isn't what the fans were expecting.

"I have to keep working and demand more of myself so that everyone can see the best Caicedo. But I won't let my head drop and I'll keep on fighting."

The former Manchester City striker has not been the only one at Espanyol to suffer a dip of form - Sergio Gonzalez's side have taken just 11 points from their 12 games this season and against Levante will be looking for their first win in six games.

Caicedo, who enjoyed a productive loan spell with Levante during the 2010/11 season, is desperate to bring both that winless run and his own goal drought to an end.

"I have to show why I am here and realise the hopes me and the club had at the start of the season," he said.

"My arrival brought a lot of hope and it's normal that people are focusing on me, I feel that sense of responsibility. I thought that it would all be goals and triumphs, but I have to adapt to the circumstances."

Levante, meanwhile, are in their best run of form this season, taking seven points in their last three games and are on cloud nine after beating local rivals Valencia in last week's derby.

Lucas Alcaraz's side will be further boosted by the return of forward Rafael Martins to action following two months on the sidelines through injury, but the Brazilian will not find it easy getting back into the starting line-up, with Victor Casadesus scoring in each of the last three games.

Defender Hector Rodas is the only absentee with a muscle tear, while Espanyol have a clean bill of health with the exception of injured midfielder Paco Montanes.