Bordalás: "I am happy with the behaviour of the players, despite the result"

José Bordalás appeared in a post-match press conference after the defeat against Villarreal CF.

What was Valencia CF's objective in this match?

The goal was to try to get a good result, obviously. Neither this game nor the one between Real Betis and Elche CF should have been played; it's a big final ahead of us and we're going to have little time to prepare for the big event. We had to try to get a good result, but we're thinking about Saturday's game. We had to rest players and not take risks. Despite that, the team started the game well, and it's a shame the penalty setback so early on. That gave Villarreal CF confidence. I am happy with the behaviour of the players; there has been a debut, there were young players from the VCF Academy and I am happy with the commitment and effort of the players, just not with the result.

How is the dressing room after this defeat?

The dressing room is fine. We knew it was going to be a difficult game. Giving rest to important players made it more difficult. We could imagine that it was going to be difficult, but the team started the game well, and our feeling was good, but the penalty against us was a hindrance for the rest of the game. Now all handballs in the area are being whistled. The dressing room is fine. We have to think about Saturday's game, the big final. We have to rest and focus on the cup final.

Are you worried about these poor results before the final?

No, I'm not worried. Every match is a new story. We are in the Copa del Rey final and we have to face it. Poor results are part of history. Now we have a single game, a big final and we are very hopeful of putting on a great game along with our fans against Real Betis. There will be a great atmosphere and we have a positive mood about it. We will not think about the recent results.

Are you worried about refereeing? There is part of the fanbase that think there is a campaign against Valencia CF; do you also think so?

I don't think there is a campaign, but we have been seriously handicapped this season. Since the first game we have been punished very severely. We trust that on Saturday there will be no such mistakes that go against Valencia CF. we have confidence in their professionalism and that the decisions are correct.

Involuntary handballs were not given before. Do you have the feeling that actions in which the ball hits the player in the arm are now heavily punished?

That's how it is. Unfortunately that is so. We coaches insist a lot on players keeping their arms close to their body, but sometimes you don't have time. These are actions so fast that a simple shot catches you. You have no intention. In that sense we are being harmed, but not only Valencia CF,l; football in general. I trusted VAR a lot, I have praised its arrival a lot, but now I have to say the opposite. I am totally against it. I think this type of action is unsightly, and we have taken a big step back. The same decisions are not always made for the same plays. In some games it is a penalty, in others it is not, in some they tell you that there is an intention, in others -without intention- they whistle for it.

Was Cillessen's starting role to protect Mamardashvili for the final?

I've always commented that the three goalkeepers are working hard, they're doing well and are motivated. I made the decision to make Jasper the starter. It was a game in which he had to enter the team. What will happen on Saturday, you will see. I already have the team in mind for that big game.

Of what use has the game been to you?

We would have liked it not to have been played, for it to have taken place next week and for us to be able to prepare for this great event with enough days rest, but in the end both we and Betis have suffered a defeat that was not what we wanted. However, it does not tarnish the objective of either team. We are very excited, we are going to face the match with the greatest interest and hopefully we can win a trophy that would be very important for the club, the fans and for everyone.

Are you worried about how the team are doing in terms of your play?

We would have liked to have had better results, but I see the team in good spirits and focused on the final. It has taken its toll on us that we have been very alert, out of the corner of our eyes, to the final, and we have been careless at some points in LaLiga. It was inevitable, everyone wants to be at this great event and win a trophy with Valencia CF.