Pirès revels in Villarreal revival

'Very happy'
A serious knee injury blighted the 34-year-old Frenchman's first campaign at El Madrigal. Now back to full fitness, he has become an influential part of the side that is through to last 32 of the UEFA Cup and riding high in the league. "I'm very happy," he told uefa.com. "The team is growing and we're doing well. I don't know if I'm important, that's up to the coach to say, but I do feel well, the players trust me and my family feels comfortable here. I wanted to get to know the Spanish league and that's what I've done." After six successful years in London, adjusting to life in small-town Villarreal might have been difficult for some, but Pirès quickly settled in his new surroundings. "I can't compare London to Villarreal because both cultures are different but I feel very at ease here. We have the sea, the sun and the food is excellent and that's important to my family."

Positive outlook
A return to Mediterranean climes has certainly brought the best out of the former Olympique de Marseille midfielder. His Arsenal career may have ended in disappointment after making way as an early substitute in the UEFA Champions League final defeat against FC Barcelona, but he is playing with a smile on his face once again. Pirès's positive outlook is a reflection of the confidence running through the Villarreal side and he is in no doubt as to the major reason behind their success this season. "I wouldn't call it a secret, it's the atmosphere in the dressing room," he said. "I think most of the players in the dressing room know they are talented and with self-confidence, they get the best out of themselves. That makes the team play well."

Pellegrini influence
Then there is the influence of coach Pellegrini, who since joining Villarreal in 2004 has presided over the most successful spell in the club's history. "He knows what he's doing," Pirès says of the former Chile international. "He's been in the Spanish league for a few seasons now and he knows what the players want and what the club wants. With him on the bench, Villarreal are always at the top of the league."

Henry reunion
Villarreal are at home to RCD Mallorca on Sunday looking to bounce back from a pair of defeats that have briefly knocked them off their stride. A 3-2 loss away to league leaders Real Madrid CF last weekend was followed by defeat to FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last night, Pirès's old team-mate Thierry Henry getting the only goal. Pirès said he was happy to see his friend "showing what he's capable of", but will be looking for results to turn back Villarreal's way on Sunday.

European goal
No team has conceded more goals in the top half of the table and Pirès, who played in both semi-final ties for Arsenal against Villarreal in 2005/06, knows his team-mates must improve defensively if they are to achieve their goal of returning to the UEFA Champions League. "We're aware of that problem and we're working on it. We know we're a team that doesn't struggle to score goals but that has to improve in the defence." Get that right and Villarreal, and Pires, could soon be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Arsenal once again.

Robert Pirès was talking to Delfín Ramírez.