Bordalás: “I'm complaining about the current wave of perspective against Valencia CF and the lies that are being said against us”

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás gave a press conference after the Matchday 34 1-1 draw against Levante UD. 

Gayà's sending off affected the match. How do you assess it? 

I have not seen it. I have been told that it is a move that you can barely see. I can't comment because I haven't seen it. It left us a man down and affected the game. The team made a huge effort and it limited us offensively. We had a favourable scoreline, but it was difficult. Congratulations to the players, because after their efforts on Saturday and the blow from not winning the final, it was a tough match and the team showed up. We didn’t get the result we wanted. It’s a pity, but I congratulate them for their effort and thank the fans, who got behind the team. 

What did you think of the referee's attitude?  

Patri was booked, but no one was sent to the stands. I'm not going to assess it because everyone saw it. When you speak about it, it sounds like you're complaining. There have been decisions that have not benefited us. There was a very clear foul on Maxi in the move prior to the corner from which they equalised. It was crystal clear. I'm not complaining about that, but about the current wave of perspective against Valencia CF. This has become something, the lies that are said against Valencia CF. They threaten us. It surprises me. We have had foul throws called, which all teams do. I complain. These are little things that affect us. We already had the limitation of being down to ten men, and it made the game even more of an uphill struggle. Not to mention the second yellow that Son should have seen. If he dives to try to win penalty and it is called, he should always get a warning. If he had been a Valencia CF player he would have been sent off. 

There are four matchdays remaining. What motivation is still there? 

We have the obligation to follow the same path until the end of the season, to fight and work to the maximum to achieve victories. The team have tried, we went ahead, and during the game nobody knows what can happen. We wanted the win. It wasn’t to be, but we have to keep trying. The team will continue to compete until the end. We have to take Valencia CF as high up the table as possible and come out with our heads held high after a game. The team showed up today. 

Today the team are virtually assured of not getting into Europe. With the plan of the sports management, was that objective realistic? And has Bryan Gil dipped off? 

It is difficult. We have to be realistic, but nothing is impossible. We're going to keep trying. There are points remaining. It isn’t in our own hands. At the start of the season I am an ambitious coach and I demand a lot. My goal is for the team to give their maximum performance. From there we make an assessment when the season is over, to see if we have done things correctly and if we could have achieved more points. We have had many difficulties, many injuries and many setbacks. I do not justify anything but it is the reality. As for Bryan, players go through spells. The change of formation limits him because he is a winger, but he works well and there are still games remaining. I’m sure that he will have the leading role that he has had in many games since he has arrived. 

Does the way people portray Valencia CF affect the referees? 

They are human and we all know that this is Spain. When a lie is repeated many times, people believe it. There are referees who are above that and others believe that this happens. The Levante coach has said that in the last fifteen minutes the referee had fallen for Valencia CF's timewasting. People say it because others have, and it sticks. It seems that Valencia CF are the team that commit fouls, that don't play football... If they show you a yellow card for a foul, we have to be the team with the most yellow cards. When the same foul is committed by the opposition, there was a foul that was committed against Carlos Soler, in which he was caught from behind, it isn’t a yellow. We’re the team that have the most cards and it is normal. But if the same offence is sanctioned more rigorously... 

Can you ask for more from this team? Is the effort only enough to draw the last few games? 

The team give their all. Nobody can get away from that. The team stand up for themselves and go out to win. We haven't gotten the results that we wanted in the last few games. It will be necessary to assess if the team needs more help in terms of the squad. 

Mamardashvili had another great match and he has a release clause of 20 million euros. Are there moves being made to increase it? 

I have no idea. These are contractual issues involving the club. I don't know and I can't help you. He is incredible, performs at a great level and is acquiring a lot of skill. The coaches and his teammates are helping him. We are very happy and satisfied with his performance.