Baraja: "I hope what I see in training carries over to the game"

Valencia CF have a vital regional derby against Elche in Sunday's early LaLiga Matchday 30 kickoff, and coach Rubén Baraja gave a press conference before the game to give his thoughts on the contest.

Support from the fans

I have no doubt that our fans will support and encourage us. The only ones who are living up to the history of this club are our fans.When we won trophies they were there, when things have not gone well they are there; they are always there.

We are the ones who must show that we are up to the level of our fans. We have to transmit that through our play. We are capable of doing it and we can achieve it. Any negative things do not interest me now.

 The influence of the referee

I have always expressed the same idea about referees. There is a certain risk when things happen to you and you try to keep quiet and respect them, which is that it causes our fans to feel frustrated and alone.

We are not happy with what happened in the last game but there is no use complaining about it anymore.

The second risk is thinking that all the problems are down to refereeing and not focusing on ourselves and what we can improve. I hope the referee goes unnoticed, has a good showing and is fair. I trust he will try to do his best.

Nico and Castillejo's availability

We have tried to bring back injured players. Some have responded well to the week's work and others have tried but have not quite been able to make it.

Nico will be available, Samu won't. He has discomfort and we have to be careful because they are small injuries but they can end up in a relapse. The players have to have maximum energy.

The potential for a nervous week

I haven't noticed anything different. There are things that we have to improve in order to be competitive and we have focused on how to do that. Finding out how to improve to be competitive is the important thing.

I want to win, but you have to look at how are you going to win. This is what we have worked on because we need to have solidity and strength at the back. When we have chances up front, we need to try to take advantage of them.

This That's football: You score a goal when you have chances and defend well so the opponents don't score against you. They are going to make it difficult, despite the situation they are in they have had good games, they have changed coaches and the team continue to compete.

On top of that, they are playing at home in front of their fans. We have to be prepared to face them, and show that we can win and that we are better than them.

Doubts about his position

I feel good. I have not read any of these things, nor do I look at them. I am strong and all I need is to win in Elche. What keeps me going is telling my players that we can win, being consistent, maintaining intensity... I don't need support. I feel strong.

We have to be aware that we are going to suffer until the end. This is a race that is all about mental toughness. We must not enter into the dynamic of "if we lose, it's over." This comes down to every day, every action. These things neither worry me nor do I think about them.

Changes of formation and playing with three at the back

We work on things continuously. The team adapt well in handling different situations. It is not a question of the formation but of being convinced of what we have to do and achieving victory.

The players are seeing that they are working hard and things aren't working out, and they need the encouragement and confidence that winning gives you.

Gabriel Paulista and Hugo Guillamón

I'm not going to single out anyone, I like to talk about the team. Gabriel Paulista is very important due to his seniority, his experience at the club, his character... we try to ensure that everyone gets the best out of themselves. He has come back from injury. When he looks ready he will come in and we trust everyone here.

The gameplan

We have always tried to have things clear and we will try to do that tomorrow. This is the idea I have and what we will try to do tomorrow to be competitive and have a chance of winning.

Javi Guerra

He is working well. He has energy, youth, and the will to want to help. Everyone has a chance of playing. We need prepared players with the mentality of wanting to help and Javi has been one of those since we arrived.

Support from fans and the board

I don't need anyone's support. I feel strong, I know where I am and I know what I have to do to change this situation. I want to pick up points and I work every day with that in mind.

We can achieve this and I have the energy to pass on to my players. I hope what I see in each training session carries over. Football is all about winning matches and scoring points.

Returning to Elche as a coach

I was there at a difficult time when the team went down due to administrative problems. I'm grateful to Elche, which is a footballing city, and to the people there who were able to turn around the situation, contributing what was needed to keep us in the Segunda División.

We had difficulties but we competed that year. I have a good memory of my time there, because they gave me my opportunity in professional football and they have a loyal fanbase.

I expect a great atmosphere tomorrow. I'm always grateful to the clubs that gave me opportunities, my time at Elche is always a good memory and I hope things go well for them.