Our coach José Bordalás has spoken in a press conference ahead of Valencia CF-RCD Espanyol.

How are the 4 positive cases of COVID doing? Who will be missing tomorrow?

Two of them have already tested negative: Piccini and Jason. We only have two more cases. Those players have not trained with the group and we will see how they are doing. There is still one day left and we will see how it goes. The other two are available. They will be tested to see if they are negative and whether we can bring them in at the last minute.

What do you think of the fact that there are so many COVID cases in LaLiga this matchday?

It is a setback for all teams. It is something we were not expecting. We believed that everything was returning to normal, but this also affects the world of football and teams are left without important players. However, this is not the time to lament our woes. Tomorrow's game is very important and we are going to see if we can have a good game and take the three points, which are also very important.

What do you think about the fact that tomorrow you can play with the stadium at full capacity, whilst from January 1st the capacity will be limited?

I respect decisions, but there are things that are difficult to understand. These are measures that I do not share, but I of course respect them. We have found that this new variant is not as aggressive.

Is spending the last night of the year in the Champions League spots a motivation?

Hopefully. It's what we all want. We will try. I am sure that the players are going to give their all and perform at their best to get a victory, to celebrate the new year with the three points. We have a game to play, and in front of us we have opponents with good players. We are motivated and ready.


Have you made a decision about any player who could leave in January? Does anyone want to be loaned out?

No player has asked to leave in the winter transfer market. We have met and we have analysed the needs of the team, and if we finally make a decision that a player should leave, it will be because it would be good for Valencia CF and for the player.

Are you happy with the communication with Singapore and with the sporting director about the winter transfer market?

Yes. I have communicated with the sporting management and the president what I think the team need. The season is very long. We have had problems, but the team have been able to face them with hard work and commitment. The team have needs that are not lost on anyone. The club have told me that we are going to try to solve these issues, so that the team is as competitive as possible -and so that we can grow.

Are you optimistic about the arrival of reinforcements?

I am always optimistic. I don't know if it is a virtue or a defect, but it is what it is. Big teams have to constantly grow. We have an example in the form of FC Barcelona: Messi left and they have realised that they can't be among the best with what they have. They have signed Ferran Torres and they will continue to strengthen their squad. Valencia CF cannot be left behind. We are a big team and have to constantly improve our squad to fight for ambitious goals.

Can you tell us about Lato, Paulista and Foulquier's condition? Why are there so many injuries and relapses? Are you worried that some players consult external medical services?

Injuries are always a setback and they deplete your squad. Foulquier and Gabriel are fine, and In a very advanced stage of their recovery. We have to be cautious and not rush them. Lato is a player who has also had a relapse. He is training with us and we will see. Players are aware of medical services they had used previously and it is a matter of trust. It happens regularly. I'm not surprised.

How close do you think the squad is to what this team should be?

I am happy with the behaviour of the players. I think we have to go one step further. I am not happy with the defensive side, and I have transmitted this to them. Without reaching the halfway point of the season, we have conceded 26 goals. It's half of what the team conceded in the last two years. If we do not correct that, then we cannot be among the best. We have to correct it. Against Levante I was happy about the victory, but it left a bittersweet taste because Levante scored 3 goals. That is something that I cannot ignore. We fought back in that game, but there will be others in which we can't. I am blunt about that. If we don't improve there, we will concede the same amount of goals as in the last two years, and we will not be able to be at the top of the table. There is not a team in the world that can afford to concede so many goals and still be among the best. I've passed it on to the players. It is something that we have to correct imminently.

Is it a lot to ask to finish the season in the Champions League spots?

If we are able to correct that defensive side, and the players who arrive in the winter transfer market help us and come here with commitment, the competition will show how far we can go. The day-to-day of the competition will tell us the answer.