Villarreal Coach Fran Escriba has accepted his team must improve and criticism following two successive defeats was valid.
The Yellow Submarine lost to both Levante and Real Sociedad to start their La Liga campaign before a 3-1 victory over Real Betis.
They now host Kazakhstani side Astana on Thursday evening in their opening group clash in the Europa League in a group which also contains Slavia Prague and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“We understand people are angry with our performances level,” Escriba told reporters.
“This dissatisfaction is understandable and it’s natural that is directed to the Coach so that is something I have to accept and I must self-criticise.
“Against Astana? The expectations are higher than usual but we see this match as an important opportunity for three points, but no game at this level can be taken for granted.
“Each match is different and unique of course as well as the competitions, but we hope to generate momentum in both competitions and we believe this could benefit our league form.”
