Baraja: “Our fans have once again shown that Mestalla plays a part. It’s the magic of Mestalla”

Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja talked to the media after his side won 2-1 in a crunch clash with Real Valladolid on LaLiga Matchday 31.

Javi Guerra’s goal

"It’s what football is all about. When you have a game as tough as today’s, when you are losing at home, and the fans are also nervous... that goal changes the dynamic. The team showed that they were capable of coming back in a difficult game. We didn't go crazy looking for the second goal and we wanted to have energy until the end. A result like this always helps, but there are still games to go.”

The change in momentum in the second half

"In the end, in this situation it is difficult to manage emotions. We had a very good opportunity in front of us. If things go well, everything helps. Their goal made us very nervous, restless, inaccurate... The team were a little afraid of conceding. We went to 4-4-2 in the first half and it stabilised us a bit. After the break we calmed down, it's essential to face a situation with calm. There was that, and what playing for this club means, which is keeping on pushing. We were able to equalise and stay alive until the end. It has been an exercise in the team's mental strength, overcoming difficulties... Mestalla plays a part too. There is a lot of magic at this ground.”

A special day against Valladolid

"It's a special date for me because of what it meant. When we got to half time we said ‘we've been at our worst, so now we're going to bring out our best.’ We believed until the end and our fans supported the team. They were key to turning the situation around. I felt a lot of emotion. It took us a long time for an opportunity like this to arrive and we took advantage of it.”

A turning point in the season

"It was a very important game. We had gone a year without winning two games in a row. The only thing we have done is continue in the fight. The message at the break was to change things and move forward. First we had to equalise, then not rush and get to the final stage of the game with energy. That and the drive from our fans, helped us win. It is fundamental, as I already said from the minute that I arrived here."

Getting the team into the game from the start

"Managing emotions isn't easy. There are good players who have experienced very good things here. Sometimes there are things that don't work out for you. The atmosphere is tense and it was a difficult atmosphere in the first half, but we are at Valencia CF. Valencia are such a big club. The message in the dressing room was a bit like that. We were going to change things and go for the game. The goalkeeper made a mistake for it, but we scored a goal from a set piece - which is something important to keep you in games. We have to continue in this way and be aware that our games have to be consistent from the first minute to the 90th.  We cannot afford to have phases of not being completely switched on. It's not a lack of attitude, it's because of the situation we're in.”

Imposing his style

"What you want  is to win games. I am working with that idea; the processes help you over time, because I think it is not easy to change dynamics on the fly. We have managed to get out of this situation a bit. On Sunday we already have another game against a direct rival. We have to do things well and compete in every game and take care with the details. Today we saw that the message is to push, to want it, to believe until the end.”

What the win means

"I always try to send a positive message in terms of demand. But you need things to happen to make you stronger. The team had reacted in games, but all this translates into the most important thing when you win like today. Patience and intensity in the last minutes... in the end this is emotional, but it helps us to grow and get to our best. Sometimes things go against you, but you can turn things around with hard work. Football changes if you have that mentality. I try to convey that to them.”

Javi Guerra

"It’s about being prepared for the moment when it’s your turn and doing things well. He believed until the end. Today I would recommend that he turn off his phone and go home and give his parents a hug. Today has to give him a lot confidence and make him realise how important this club is.”

Diakhaby’s mistake

"This is football. During a game, things happen. Today he showed that after a mistake he can pick himself up, grow into the game and not let it affect him. We have to be prepared to experience these things, feel them and change them. Mistakes happen and the important thing is that every time you fall, you get back up as soon as possible. This mistake does not change my opinion. It hindered us, but it is part of the game.”

Valladolid

"The first goal hindered us a lot, and they knew that with time the tension generated by the fact that the game was open would have an effect. Football has these things, and they have tried to find their way of playing. At times they played well, but we were much better in the second half. We had several shots, we played inside, outside... except for the effort that hit the crossbar they didn’t have many situations in which to score. Valladolid did not generate much against us, but we did generate enough to win the game. We looked for it until the end."

The magic of Mestalla

"Perhaps today is the most powerful moment I've experienced since I've been here. In certain things it reminded me of 2001, how the people were today. Our fans have once again shown that Mestalla plays a part. It’s the magic of Mestalla."