Baraja: “We face Valladolid with confidence and responsibility”

Rubén Baraja talked to the media on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Valencia CF’s midweek fixture against Real Valladolid in LaLiga Santander.

Do you consider this game to be a final?

"It's an important match, as I say about all matches. We're lucky to be playing it at home against a good side. They're in good shape and they'll make things difficult for us. I always say the most difficult game is the one that's coming up. Whatever happens, there's always another game next week or next Sunday. We have to face it with great determination. We will have to continue what we did in Elche to have the possibility of getting two consecutive victories, which always helps."

Using three centre backs

"It could be an option, or we might go back to a different formation. I have always said that what is important is not the formation but the interpretation of the system by the players. We have varied it depending on the match."

Castillejos' fitness

"He's been working on his recovery. Until today we won't know if he's available or not. He's an option but we don't know yet. We still have today's training session to come."

Is Cavani anxious about his lack of recent goals?

"No. He has a lot of experience and he handles these types of situations very well. He is a world-class player and very important for us. We want him to continue looking for chances.

The other day he played very well. Goals come through effort and collective work. He must continue in that way. Sometimes you work hard and it doesn't happen, and other times you score a goal the first time. We try to take care about the minutes he plays. We look to have him in the best shape for the final stretch of the season."

More belief after the win against Elche

"I always say that this is a long-distance race, not a sprint. The other day was another opportunity that makes us able to get out of the relegation zone if we win tomorrow. But now we need to translate the feeling to how we do on the pitch. They know the importance of tomorrow's game and we will try to face it in the best way. We are looking to be at our best and to be able to win."

Avoiding relaxation

"This is a challenge for us. The team have lacked consistency in our results during the season. Winning two consecutive games would make us see everything differently, but it would not be definitive.

After all, when difficulties arise, you can't lose your mental strength. You have to keep working to improve and grow as a team. Now we want to transfer all this to tomorrow's game."

Do you see these 8 games differently after winning in Elche?

"Logically, we would like to hit form now. We would love that, at this crucial moment, we have the fortune of our work being converted into results. We would like to get out of this situation in the table.

It is very important not to focus everything on the result. We often talk about winning, but you always have to think about how to win. We focus on this: If you do things well, positive results will come. That is the approach."

Is it convenient at this point to hold a board meeting about sporting matters?

"Valladolid. Tomorrow's game is the most important thing. It's what we have to focus on. Tomorrow we will need our fans. They know that we need them.

I know the kickoff time is tricky, but I know they will respond and they will be up to what the team need from them. They did it in Elche and I know they will do it tomorrow at Mestalla."

A lack of possession against Elche

"I like statistics, but in football the most important thing is that when you defend you don't concede, and that when you get chances you score. Over time, who has the ball is sometimes irrelevant.

What I want is to continue the forcefulness in the areas that we had against Elche. This is what makes the difference. This helps us get closer to winning."

Why is Guillamón playing less?

"In the end, I have a squad and I have to decide on the team. Now I am opting for other players in different situations, but Hugo is working hard, is committed and is waiting for his moment.

Not long ago he played and participated. We have shown that everybody must be prepared to play. Hugo has to work like the rest of the team, to perform well when his time comes around. And that will mean he can get more playing time."

How are Thierry and Kluivert?

"Everyone has their own recovery time. Justin continues his and feels better and better. Thierry too, is close to returning to the group this weekend or for the following weekend.

When he accumulates training time with the group he will feel much better. He has recovered well and we hope he will be with us soon. I have always said that everyone is needed."

Valladolid

"Valladolid. The most important thing in the press conference is to talk about the opponents. They play well, and with their change of coach they have achieved good results.

The last good result they had was at home, when they beat Villarreal. We face the game with confidence and responsibility."