Bordalás: “The game against Cádiz CF is tremendously important and we want to go through”

Valencia CF's head coach José  Bordalás talked to the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Copa del Rey quarter-final tie against Cádiz at 9 pm kick-off time at Mestalla.

What is your general assessment and personal opinion of the signings? 

They are the signings that the club have made, and the players with whom we will have to face the second half of the season and the Copa del Rey. Ilaix is a young player whom we have already seen participating at Barça, and wasn't participating at Leipzig; I wanted Bryan Gil in the summer transfer market and it didn't happen; Eray Cömert, the centre back, is a necessity because Gabriel Paulista has been out for 3 months due to injury. I'm sure that they will help us.

Is there a feeling that the way of proceeding in putting together the squad has changed compared to the summer? 

These are the signings that have arrived. It is true that I would have liked, as I asked for it as a priority, a midfielder. I know that the club worked on that, but one did not arrive. It was a priority for Daniel Wass not to leave. We talked about Ilaix coming in as long as Wass didn't leave. We will try to improve and be effective in the second half of the season. 

You asked for a central defender and midfielder. Do you feel that the club didn't listen to you and that the squad is still incomplete? 

A midfielder was a priority and has not arrived. We talked about Ilaix as a No.8 or a No.10, but always without Daniel Wass leaving. He did leave, and we haven't covered that position. I am the coach and I will try to get the most out of the squad. Even if some of the players lack that experience, they will help us. 

Was there a consensus? 

We always transmit, within a consensus, the needs that I considered were present. If the players have not arrived in other positions, it is because finally, the club have not been able to find or have not been able to sign those two players who improve the level of Valencia CF. 

Is it exciting or disappointing?  

I'm not going to give an adjective for it. I have already commented with my opinion and from now on I am the spokesperson for the team, for the day-to-day requirements of the competition. There will be other people who will be spokespersons and there will be other economic reasons or reasons that escape me for things happening. These are the players who have arrived and the squad is what we have. We are going to try to perform at our best. 

How are Cillessen and Paulista doing? 

I am not the spokesperson. It is those who work in the medical department who have to inform you on how the players are doing. Cillessen's injury isn't one of the big ones and, whilst maybe he won't be available tomorrow, we'll soon be able to use him. As for Gabriel, I know that his treatment is going well, but I cannot say when he will be back with the group. 

Which gives you more possibilities of getting into Europe: The Copa del Rey or LaLiga?  

We are focused on tomorrow's game. We're at Mestalla and with the fans in attendance, and we are preparing the match with the utmost interest to try to get into a semifinal that would be very good for the club. Then, on Sunday we have to try to recover the points lost in the first half of the season. We cannot talk about long-term goals. 

Will you stay at the club next season?  

My relationship with the club is good -exceptional. Right now I'm not thinking about next season, but rather about the present moment. We must earn the necessary points in this second half of the season. 

Why won't you commit to a response?  

You're asking me a question that doesn't concern me. I'm a spokesperson for the team. I don't like to talk about the future. 

Do the profiles of the arrivals match what you asked for?  

There are players who match the profile, but the midfield position has not been filled. No one should be held responsible for that. 

Do you give more priority to the Copa del Rey or LaLiga?  

I give priority to both. In LaLiga there is not as big a difference as you might think. In football, gaps are reduced very quickly.

Those at the bottom have strengthened well because none of them thinks that they can go down, and those close to us are aiming for Europe. It will be a titanic fight. We give a lot of importance to the Copa del Rey, and a lot to LaLiga. 

Will these new players allow for a clear system or changes?  

It will depend on the possibilities and performance of the team. Alderete is injured, and this has happened to us all season -it has been the case with Thierry Correia, who was hanging on. I may like a formation, but many times your hand is forced by your needs. 

What do you think about Cadiz?   

They have a historic opportunity in mind and will face the game with the utmost interest. They are welcoming back important players and have made some signings like Lucas Pérez.

They are a team that have made a change of coach. It's going to be a difficult game against the opposition who want to go through to the semifinals. It is a unique opportunity. 

Are the signings available for tomorrow? 

They are very disciplined. It is true that they some lack that experience. Bryan's first session was today and he looks very excited. He has been training in the Premier League.

They have had four days’ rest, but they are all available for the next game. Ilaix and Bryan Gil know LaLiga already, and the only one who might have a little difficulty is Eray Cömert. 

Is there a reason to change the dynamic of your goalkeepers? 

I have no doubt. We have both Jaume and Mamardashvili available. I speak with the goalkeeping coaches, although the decision is made by me.

Both are available. Giorgi had a big role at the start of the season and dropped out of the team because of the dynamic, not because he was at fault. He is in a position to help the team.

Have you been in direct contact with Peter Lim or has it been through intermediaries like the president Anil  Murthy?

No, the truth is that I haven't had direct contact, I've been in contact with the president and Miguel Corona. I haven't had the chance to speak with Lim.

Can you and the club work longer in this way?  

I am a professional and I am obliged to do my job. I cannot be constantly wearing myself out being a spokesperson for departments that are not my responsibility. I have to talk about football because it is my job. Other people can give you information on other matters. 

Do you see Valencia CF in danger of relegation?  

I don't think about that possibility. I think about scoring points to get closer to the top positions. However, I'm realistic and we haven't been able to beat those in the higher part of the table in the first half of the season. 

You are feeding the speculation that you will not stay on next season. 

 I am not feeding anything. My message to the players is that we can't think about the past or the future, and our present is the game against Cádiz. That is my objective and I am calm, working with the utmost professionalism. I'm going to give every last drop of energy and sweat. I don't set limits. This is the squad that we have until the end of the season. 

Are you not surprised that the majority shareholder didn’t talk to you? 

Nothing in football surprises me. There was no promise made. I imagine that he will have his reasons and agenda and the day to day running of the club will be decided through the president. 

What do you mean about 'spokesmen'?  

I understand you, but I am the coach. You are professionals, but there are issues that are out of my terrain, and I might even be wrong to give an opinion about them because I don't know.

Are Valencia CF favourites against Cádiz?  

Obviously, we are if you look at history, but in football that is of little use. We must play at Mestalla in front of our fans and they will give us the boost of their energy.

They are always behind the team at all times. I already had a very good opinion of the fans and now I can say that they are the best fans I have ever had because they are always supporting the team. Besides that, it's 11 against 11. 

Do you feel that you have been failed since the request for a No.6 has not arrived? 

The situation is what it is. It wasn't to be. As for our experience, we insist that we have the youngest average age in the league and it is evident, not just because I say so.

Players have to mature and know how to manage phases of the game, something that experience often gives you. Now we have the Copa del Rey and we have to focus on that. 

How important were you in the arrival of Bryan Gil?  

I don't know. The club did everything possible for him to come in. He and I were already talking during the Olympics and at other times. He knows that Valencia CF are a great club and he knows several players here. He gives absolutely everything and he has different skills. 

Do you have a better or worse squad? 

Six players left and 3 came in. One was an undisputed starter and the others had less prominence in the team. We'll see how the new players perform. You have to be optimistic and think that things will go as well as possible.