Bordalás: "We are aware that tomorrow's game is very important for us continuing in the upper part of the table"

José Bordalás has talked to the media at a press conference to analyze the Cádiz CF-Valencia CF, match corresponding to matchday 8 of LaLiga 21.22. 

Do you think it is fair that Maxi Gómez will not be able to play against Cádiz CF?

It's not good news. Whenever we lose a player, it’s bad news. Whether it is fair or not, we were hoping that the card would be rescinded, because the action was so clear. You have all seen that it is the opposition player who hits Maxi's leg. The club has made the corresponding appeal and now we cannot think about those who are not available. Marcos André is a player who has arrived this season, has been working well and has a big chance of playing tomorrow.

Diakhaby had a nasty episode last season away to Cádiz CF. How is he? Are you concerned about his returning?

He's fine. We have treated it naturally. It’s in the past and we have not raised that topic because it is a topic that has been forgotten about. We only think about the present, which is tomorrow's game.

How important is Maxi Gómez to you?

All players are important, because of the prominence they have at all times. I am convinced that Maxi is going to score goals, but you also have to value his workrate and how he helps the team. Maxi helps the team a lot. You can lose players through injury and also through suspension. There are other players that I am convinced will do well in his place.

Two LaLiga sanctions for different stadiums are both for insults against you. How do you explain that?

I think that it is a matter for supporters, and I don’t give it major importance. It is not pleasant for anyone to be insulted, but there are more fans who respect the work of Bordalás and the professionals than not. I am not the protagonist, the players are. The coaches are here to help the players and I don't think the focus should be on us.

Racic was important last season. He now he has had little involvement under you. What does Racic lack to be at the level of a starter?

It is always a perception. We all have one. Racic participated in Granada and did really well. He had an injury in preseason and he’s struggling more. He will have his role and his moment to play. He knows that he has to prepare. The international break did not suit him, because he is a player who has to be impeccable in his fitness. He is working really well and I'm sure he will have a prominent role. The coaches have decided on Daniel and Hugo, who I think are doing well. Uros knows that he will have his time.

Is tomorrow's game worth more than three points because you’ve had 1 point from 9, and it being an international break after?

It is very important because we come off a week with three very demanding games. Tomorrow will be no exception. It will be a difficult game, against opponents who always perform at a very high level -and showed it last season. They come off a draw with Barcelona. It will be very demanding, but we are aware that tomorrow's game is very important for us continuing in the upper part of the table. We are prepared to face it, knowing that we have to start the game well -because Cádiz are demanding, squeeze you, and we must be very focused.

How are Gayà, Soler, Correia and Cheryshev?

They are working very well. We are all working to shorten their recovery time and be able to have them back as soon as possible, because they are important and they will help us a lot.

What value do you place on nutrition for the effectiveness of sports?

Food is essential. It's of vital importance. The demand of the competition is so high that you have to be prepared on a physical level, on a tactical level and also on a diet level. The players have to know that if they want to be at their highest level. Also on a mental level. For me, it is very important.

Alderete is one card away from suspension and could miss the game against Barça. Could this affect your lineup against Cádiz CF?

We don't know what will happen. Diakhaby is ready to play. He is one of the players who has made a huge progression in a short period; not only physically, but also in his attitude and responsibility. He is always ready to help the team. He might not necessarily come in because of a teammate's injury. Gabi and Omar are doing really well, but Diakhaby is very prepared. Now he is at a very high level, although he is participating little.

Valencia CF have not scored in the first half at home, while away from home you have always conceded a goal in the first half. Can you find an explanation?

We have to start our away games better. In Pamplona we got the victory, but we started badly. Osasuna scored against us and they could have scored the second goal. The team grew later on, but we can't afford for this to happen. You have to compete from the first minute to the 94th. It is something to improve, we have analysed it and we are aware that we have to improve that aspect away from home. At home it was the other way around and we have to mentalise the games for 94 minutes. You can't get lost because the opposition want to win and they compete at a very high level. In LaLiga we are seeing results that were surprising before, but have become the norm. It is something we must improve.

Historians agree that the best was Augustus. Is Peter Lim Augustus, like Tebas says, or Caligula like the fans think?

I don't usually compare. It makes no sense. About Peter Lim, I will say that he is a person with whom I have spoken and my perception is that of respect. He is the majority shareholder of Valencia CF and that is my opinion. I can't compare.

What does Helder Costa need to do to get more minutes?

He is a player who arrived at the last minute. He is adapting to the identity of the team. He is adjusting well. There are aspects in which he has to improve and he has to help the team, because of the demands of the competition. Also, on a defensive level we all have to work. We are instilling that with him and with everyone. He is a great teammate and he is very responsive.

Are you worried that the news surrounding the club will affect the team?

We are focused on the day-to-day work. We isolate ourselves from any news other than the sporting side. It does not have to affect the team and the competition. We are focused on the game.

What worries you about Cádiz CF?

Cádiz CF have been doing a fantastic job. Álvaro Cervera has given Cádiz a definite identity. They are always a tough team to play. They had a great campaign last season, with surprising results, they are disciplined, well organised, they play as a team, everyone works and helps, and they fight for each ball. It is a game that is going to demand a lot from us. We have to master every facet and adapt to the virtues of Cádiz. We have all the respect in the world for them, we are going there with great motivation and are physically and mentally prepared to try to have a good game and get an important result.

Will any injured players be back for Saturday?

In principle we will not have them back, but they are close to being able to return. We have not wanted to rush them in any way. Precipitating a return can sometimes be a step backwards. They will almost certainly be ready for the next game.