Baraja: "We all have a lot at stake"

Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja talked to the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's 9pm kickoff against Sevilla FC.

Maintaining confidence

"We have never given up in games and we have reasons to believe. The key to all of this is the players and their interpretation of things, beyond the formation. The formation isn't something that I am obsessed with.

With the time I have been here, we can only get more from ourselves by demanding it, giving 120%. It's the only way to get out of this situation.

We are at a club in which I have experienced us performing above the expectations that the club set, due to the demand from the players. I haven't come here to get overrun by things and for everything to be bad.

If everybody takes responsibility, from the physios, to the kitman, to me, to everybody, and creates the maximum level of demand, we can get out of this situation.

We are going to stop putting the focus on other things and focus on the important thing: Giving more and more in such an important game."

 How is the morale in the dressing room?

"We all have a lot at stake. That's the reality. The players are aware. The defeat in Almería was a blow for everyone. We are professionals and we cannot enter into the dynamic of letting ourselves get brushed away.

We have to be able to react and take action. We have prepared for the match well; we are up against a great team who are in a position in the table that does not correspond to them and who played in the quarterfinals of the Europa League the other day. We want to be an energetic team, with vitality and intensity. We will go for the result and we want to win the game."

Thierry Correia's injury

"It is a small injury that he suffered before the game against Almería. We have diagnosed the injury he has and a decision was made from there. Everything is under control and we have direct communication about what he is doing in Portugal.

Also, on the emotional side, because of the season he is having, he needed to be with his family. I understand that. He is trying to recover and he is working to be able to face the final stretch of the season at full strength."

Nico González's fitness

"We are waiting to see how he recovers and tomorrow we will decide. We are optimistic that he might have a chance of playing. We won't make a definitive decision until tomorrow."

What would you say to people to make them think that staying up is possible?

"In the end there are certain things that we see that we have to do better, and others that have done well and are not reflected in the results. The fans can think what they want, but we all know Valencia CF and we are aware of how things can feel like the end of the world at such a big club.

We have to draw strength from the fact that we are playing at home against a big rival, and that the team at home have performed well in what we have been looking for and want, in terms of energy and not giving up. We have the ambition to get out of this."

Changes in defence

We evaluate every type of situation. We are continually looking at solutions to change things. We are active so that the team improve and win, and we are open to any situation if the player shows the right level of performance in their everyday work.

We need performance and consistency. In some positions we have that. We want a stable level of performance. We look for solutions for the chosen team to win.

Javi Guerra's chances of playing

"He is working well with us, in the dynamic of the first team since we arrived. He has a chance to come in. The calendar will give him and everybody else the chance to come in and play.

The important thing is that they are prepared and that they give the level of performance that we expect from them.

I expect the most from my team, and I always hope that my team provide the essence of what I'm looking for.With Javi Guerra, he must be ready. When it's his turn, I'm sure he'll do well."

The welcome from the fans

"I always expect the most from my fans. What more can we ask of the fans? They support us us and we have situations that can lead them to doubt our players, but we can't ask them for more.

We are the ones who have to ask more of ourselves.  We have to demand much more of ourselves.

Our fans will be with us from the first minute to the 95th, I have no doubt. We need to give them reason to believe. The fans know that the priority right now is for the team to get out of this situation. The fans will be there for us and respond."

Sevilla FC

"I expect a good Sevilla side. It's an important match for them. Whilst they are in a better position than us in LaLiga , they're not completely safe. I'm expecting a good Sevilla who will compete against us.

They have a coach who knows the league perfectly and they have qualities that make us know how they'll play. I'm expecting a good Sevilla side who will give us problems."

Mental focus

"It's not only the players. It's everyone around the club. Everyone within the club, starting with the players, have to give their all to get out of this situation. When we are already pushing to the maximum, representing this club will give another level of demand.

The team have a good attitude and try to carry out what we ask of them, but we aren't getting results. If we don't get the results, we have to give more. This club demands that we do our best."

Playing with two fullbacks

"It's not a matter of names or systems, or who players. Sometimes you start with an XI and then the important players are the ones who come on later. The important thing is that everyone is switched on.

Sometimes we've changed the game from the bench and other times it has been the starters.  I believe in the team and that's why I always talk about how everyone must be prepared for when their time comes.

There will be injuries and absences. The important thing is our mentality: There is a lot at stake and there are many people behind us who believe in us."

Switching off in games

"These are specific situations that sometimes harm us. Against Rayo they had two chances and in Almería up until their goal I don't remember any action in which they could have scored.

Then came the corner, they made it 2-0 and everything came to an end. If we want to win, we have to correct these details. If they have 1,2, 3 times and they score a goal, you are hindered a lot.

Being solid in both areas is fundamental. We are insisting on that. We hope that we suffer less from opposition chances and that we are more solid up top, to get an advantage."