Levante UD captain Dela has confirmed the strong motivation and unity within the granota dressing room for the new season. The defender made these statements on Tuesday following the club's traditional offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, as reported by Superdeporte. Dela stated the group is ready to give their all on the pitch, just like last campaign, with the clear objective of keeping the team in La Liga.
The Madrid-born centre-back described a positive working atmosphere at Orriols. He stressed that the dressing room is "a family" and that their togetherness is one of the foundations for achieving survival. "We are going to leave our lives on the pitch like last year," said the player, taking the hardship of the 25/26 season as the minimum requirement to bring joy to the fans. He also highlighted the group's ability to integrate new signings and make them feel at home from day one.
How has the team changed under Luis Castro?
The arrival of Portuguese manager Luis Castro has been a turning point. Dela acknowledged that the working philosophy at the Ciutat de Valencia has changed radically. Unlike last season, when the coach arrived mid-campaign, he has now had almost two months of pre-season to refine his playing idea. The volume and load of current training sessions are, according to the captain, similar to a normal season, which helps the team assimilate tactical concepts.
The team maintains habits that already proved their worth in securing survival last campaign. However, Dela noted that now, with more working time, these principles are much more ingrained. This continuity and deepening of the model are vital ahead of the competition start, which can be followed on our fixtures page.
Who are Levante's new captains?
The team's captaincy has seen a changeover following the departures of Pablo Martínez, Morales and Unai Elgezabal. Roger Brugué now assumes the role of first captain, a promotion Dela fully endorsed. The defender stated the winger "is a great captain and deserves it," adding that Brugué "has been acting as one for a long time."
Dela and Iván Romero complete the captaincy trio as alternatives to wear the armband. This new leadership within the dressing room aims to guide a squad that, according to our squad data, blends experience with youth. Stability in this aspect is key to facing the difficult moments that, as Dela acknowledges, will return in the fight to stay up.
What is the current state of the squad?
Levante UD faces the new season with a squad that has worked hard in pre-season. Dela emphasized that it is a "very healthy" group, both physically and in spirit. This group health is the main asset for a club that has historically based its success on collective spirit and mental strength.
The current squad, which you can view in detail in our team section, knows the margin for error in La Liga is minimal. The memory of survival secured on the final day of the 25/26 season remains very present. That suffering, far from being a burden, serves as a reminder of the intensity required in every match. The objective, as expressed by Dela, is to keep Levante "where it deserves to be," and for that, unity will be decisive.
The upcoming fixtures, visible on our calendar, will immediately test this collective strength. The message from the dressing room, conveyed by one of its captains, is clear: they are prepared for the battle. The continuity of Luis Castro's project and the solidity of the group are the pillars on which hope is built for the new campaign in the elite of Spanish football.
