Baraja: "If we can have a complete game, we can have our chances"

The game against Atlético Madrid

We have to assume that they have a high level and are very complete in every facet that you analyse. We have to plan the game well and, if we have a complete game without errors, we can have our chances. Playing at Mestalla is a determining factor. We haven't beaten Atlético for a long time and we hope to end that statistic. We have to be ambitious.”

Explanations from the club about the objective

What we talked about at the time, which was important, when my staying on was discussed was to be honest about the situation of the club. The market has caused the club to carry out an analysis of the situation and the objective, taking last year into account.

This year, at least, we have to stay in the Primera División, although we are ambitious and we don't give up on anything. 

We want to try to do things well, improve and make the team grow. The most important thing is that we know the reality we have and the historical moment in which we are.

Due to economic difficulties and limitations, we have to set real and reasonable objectives so that frustration does not arise when you want to set objectives that are not real. 

Time will put us closer to the goal. Barring 6-8 teams, the rest have to be looking at the table. We would like to be in another moment, but in life there are two options: Give up or do what needs to be done, committed to the team and growing through work and humility. 

We can't always be frustrated. We have to be realistic and let people know that we need support and sporting stability. The squad is small and will force us to redouble our efforts. We have to commit to young players and I am going to give them the chance to grow. Financial limitations or other situations are not my concern. The club have done everything possible to create the best team.”

The transfer market

“This is the last press conference in which I am going to talk about the transfer market. The club have a spokesperson and will try to send an institutional message that it believes is appropriate.

I cannot evaluate actions or situations because I do not control them, nor do they concern me. "I try to manage the group and get the most out of the players."

The Grada de Animación

“Their return is essential. That they have not been in the other games is a great handicap. They are our young fans, they are the heart of Mestalla and they manage the positive atmosphere of the team.

We have missed them and we hope that they continue to support the team during the game. Mestalla has to play a part again and for the players to feel comfortable with that hunger to win, the fans are essential.”

Sporting stability compared to Atlético Madrid

“I never consider it beyond the short term. The evidence of Simeone's work is that he has been achieving success, and continuity and the club have continued to trust him. Atlético Madrid are one of the best clubs in Spain and everything has come through making a plan and trusting in the same person. It's a good example."

Foulquier, Paulista and internationals

“Both are in a recovery process. Paulista is advancing well and Foulquier has a little more time to go. The internationals have come in well, although some are more tired than others.”

Yaremchuk

“He has trained well, although he has the feeling that he lacks competition pace. He is available.”

Amallah and Canos

“Sergi is improving. His physical improvement is going positively and he is available for tomorrow. Selim, although he had minutes in Vitoria, needs to work much more with the group, understand the mechanisms and he will have his moment.”

Cenk

“He is an important player, he has a young profile, he does not have stability in terms of his performance and we have to try to make that stability more continuous.

We have to give him confidence and peace of mind and when it is his turn to participate, do it well. When we won the first two games, I didn’t hear anything about Cenk.”