Silva lining for Irureta

Javier Irureta expressed delight at the return to action of Mauro Silva.

Javier Irureta was relieved after his Deportivo La Coruna side chalked up their first win in four games at the weekend and expressed delight at the return to action of Mauro Silva.

The Galicians picked up maximum points for only the fourth time this term, with Diego Tristan's penalty proving enough to see off Levante.

With the pressure growing at the Riazor, Irureta admitted that his side were beginning to worry about their recent form.

"The team needed the win to regain some confidence," he explained. "But we looked very anxious in the match.

"It was a hard-fought win, but we played with a winning attitude and winning is the most important thing in this game."

The Basque trainer has given his player three days off, telling them to report back to training on Tuesday as a reward for their win.

He was also buoyed by the return to action of Brazilian veteran Mauro Silva who has been sorely missed in the defensive midfield role.

"His recovery is very important for us," he continued. "He only played for 12 minutes, but has come through it well.

"He and Fran offer the team a great deal of experience."