Bordalás: “Tomorrow's match it’s an important chance to latch onto the top spots”

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás addressed the Sunday game against Real Sociedad (K.O. 2pm CET) in his pre-match press conference, as well as talking about the Copa del Rey draw that pits his side against Athletic Club.

What do you think of the semi final tie against Athletic Club that the cup draw brought about yesterday?

We are facing a very important match tomorrow. The cup draw was yesterday and any team that we were put against was going to be difficult. We are in the semi-finals and Athletic Club are an historic club with many cups and are in great form. It’s an attractive tie, but obviously it is a difficult one.

Could the fact that many people have their focus on the Copa del Rey tie confuse the team?

No, I have insisted that the really important game is tomorrow. We are immersed in the league, and every day there is one less chance. Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to latch onto the top positions in the table against Real Sociedad. The team are motivated.

Jasper Cillessen has returned to training. How is he? Will he be available for tomorrow?

I have already said that I am not the spokesperson on medical matters. I can only say what I understand: Although he is already training with Otxotorena and with Borja, we will see how Jasper evolves and tomorrow we will decide based on that. Until tomorrow, when we will have a little talk with him, we will not decide.

How long will it take for Gabriel Paulista to be fit to play again?

Paulista is doing very well. We trust that he will soon rejoin the group to work normally, and that we will be able to use him as soon as possible. Hopefully that is the case.

Does Mamardashvili have a chance to play?

It is a possibility. He is also working very well and it is a possibility that he will play.

Taking into account that in a few days there is another demanding game, could tomorrow's game be a chance to rotate the team?

There are players who are working well and I am happy with them. They are eager to help and participate. It is important that players who have not taken part in other games can participate.

Do you think that the optimism about the team can negatively affect them tomorrow?

It is always positive if we do not get it confused. We cannot lose focus. Today I commented in the dressing room that when we go down the street and the fans are excited, they tell us to reach the final. The excitement is there and it is inevitable, but tomorrow we have a difficult game. Real Sociedad have a lot of potential, and they are difficult and tough opposition. We have to focus on the game against them tomorrow. It's an important game and if we're able to win then we can latch onto the top positions; that's very important.

With the signing of Ilaix Moriba, do you see the possibility of playing with a 4-5-1 formation as being more feasible?

It is a possibility that is there. We have also played with three centre backs. There are players who have been playing many games continuously, and tomorrow is a day in which players who have not participated in previous games could come in, because they are working really well. The formation is the least important thing; the most important thing is being able to interpret the game and performing at a great level. Tomorrow we have a very important game in which we can catch those in the top positions, and we can't waste that opportunity.

Is the 2pm timeslot the most difficult in terms of preparing for a match?

If not the most difficult, then it’s the least common. We have to adapt. We've already played in that timeslot and we have to adapt, but that's what worries me the least. I am more concerned about the team performing at our best. We are facing a great side who have just lost in the Copa del Rey, want to do big things in LaLiga and want to play in Europe next season.

You have said that when Valencia CF have faced teams at the top of LaLiga they have not been able to win. Could it be time for that now that signings have arrived?

I have never said that the team couldn’t do it. This is an opportunity to change that dynamic. Tomorrow we play at home with the support of the fans, and we can achieve it. The team are focused and prepared. I have confidence in the players.

Although the transfer market has closed, did the signing of Diawara not take place because you did not want him?

The market is closed, and we cannot go into which players could or could not come in. We are immersed in two very important competitions, and we have to try to get the players who are here to give us the most that they can.

Could Real Betis' victory be something to take note of to win tomorrow against Real Sociedad?

The match had a misleading result. Real Betis have a great attack and they are in a really good dynamic. Real Sociedad did not deserve such a comprehensive result. They were eliminated and that shows the difficulty of the competition. We won’t get carried away by one result, and they are a team with great potential.

Is Omar Alderete available after his injury?

Today he trained with the group and we will make the decision tomorrow. Now I have to talk to him and see how he feels. He has made a good readjustment process, he has had his first minutes of training with the group, and we will decide if it is better to risk him or to wait.