Valencia CF13 May 2023

Baraja: “We need to believe in our possibilities to the fullest”

Press conference ahead of the game against Celta Vigo

Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja spoke ahead of the LaLiga Matchday 34 game that sees his side travel to Galicia, to take on Celta Vigo on Sunday.

How is Hugo Duro’s fitness? Is he available for the game?

He has not been able to train normally during the week. He is in the squad and tomorrow we will decide. We are going to see how he feels and we will assess things when we are in Vigo.

Players like Gayà, Diakhaby and Cömert are on four yellow cards. Could that affect the starting lineup?

We never take the situation of being on four yellow cards into account. Before we did take it into account so that it would not occur with players who share a position.

But now it is impossible to control this situation. In terms of this game, we don't have Cavani or Thierry but they will be here for the next one. The important thing is that everyone is available when there are others suspended or injured, and fortunately we only have players suspended. Having the entire squad available is very important because we need everyone to be ready.

Will Celta Vigo consider this match to be a final because winning seals survival for them?

They view the game as a final and so do we. Every point is important. Our goal is to try to do things well and get a good result. We have worked for this during the week.

This week Solís, Layhoon and Corona have been in Singapore. Have you missed having Corona close by this week?

I am not going to go into assessing situations that are not the game against Celta Vigo. Right now there are much more important things to assess than if things have been done in one way or another.

I am here to improve the sporting situation for the team, which is what concerns our fans the most, and get out of the relegation places.

The club have to keep working, but I don't waste energy on that kind of thing nor do I worry in the slightest. I had information that this trip was going to take place, but I'm focusing on my own things.

What has to be done to get the points needed for survival?

We have to do a lot of things well for a long time during a game. That's what we have to do tomorrow. Celta Vigo have quality, but we have just played a good game against a good team like Villarreal CF, coming back from a game that was very difficult for us. The team responded. We must try to work to do many things well and get close to winning.

Would you have liked to have participated in the meeting in Singapore?

I have been very respectful with you and I understand the questions, but I am not going to assess anything. I focus on what is important, which for me is that the team get out of the situation we are in and that we can breathe easier, that our fans feel that there is a future for Valencia CF.

I don't think I should assess any aspect other than the sporting side. I have to be focused on my players being convinced that they can win the game.

Without Cavani and with Hugo Duro a doubt, could you play with two strikers?

We are going to see how Hugo is tomorrow and we will assess the situation. We have several alternatives that we can use. Tomorrow we will decide, looking for the best solution and a competitive starting XI.

Does stifling Iago Aspas increase the chances of winning?

They have decisive players like Iago Aspas, who is a very good player in every way, but the most important thing is that we face the game as a team. If we do things well, if we are consistent and continue to work, with maximum intensity and convinced that we can achieve victory, I am sure that we can win the game.

Do you see Diego López or Kluivert as strikers or a false nine?

Everyone has a chance to participate: Alberto, Justin, Diego and Hugo Duro. Tomorrow we will decide what we are going to do when everything is clear. There are several alternatives.

How do you face these five games with the dressing room? Has the approach changed?

If you want to classify it as a final, you can, but they won't give us a trophy for winning. What they will give us are points, which is what we need. We must face the game with great determination, believe as much as possible in our possibilities and improve other things, to minimise the things that sometimes cost us points.

How do you assess the players that Celta Vigo have out?

The competition normally gives you significant absentees. They have them, and so do we. I’m sure that those who come in will play at a good level.

What do you think about the 200 fans who will go to Vigo by bus?

It shows what the fans of this club want from Valencia CF. It is incredible. Honestly, the most important thing is that the fans are behind the team, that they feel that the team give everything for them in each game.

We need attitude and to bring out our virtues. We would love for fans to give us that positive energy that we need for the game. There is always a negativity in this city, so I encourage the other side and hope we can give them joy. We work so that they are happy.

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