Villarreal defender Jaume Costa has admitted that it will be difficult for the Yellow Submarine to improve on their success in 2013.

The Spanish outfit secured promotion to La Liga at the end of last season, while they have finished 2013 in sixth spot in Spain's leading division.

Costa is confident that the club "can go up another level" in 2014, but believes that it will be a big ask to match their achievements from this year.

"Being at the level of this year is going to be tricky. But we know we have to perform like that if we're going to do well," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Every year in football is different and every game is different. But we want to be even better in 2014. We have shown that we are a competitive team, but everyone is confident that we can go up another level."

Villarreal return to league action on Monday away to Rayo Vallecano.