Bordalás: "We are only thinking about the game against RCD Mallorca. We are coming off a bad run of results and we want to change that as soon as possible"

José Bordalás spoke to the media in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's game vs. RCD Mallorca.

How is Gayà doing? Will he be available for the match against Athletic Club?

He's is doing pretty well, but I don't know if we'll be able to have him available tomorrow. In principle, he is feeling better than on the day of the game against Barça, and we'll see if we can have him back as soon as possible.

Is Gabriel Paulista available to play 90 minutes or will he have to return little by little?

It will depend on how he feels. He has told me that he is fine, and tomorrow we will decide if he plays from the start or comes on during the match. It is very good news that we have him back after so long.

Could it be said that tomorrow's game is a direct duel?

We can't talk about it like that, because there are many games left before the end of the season. It is a very important match in terms of an opportunity to get points and be calm in this final stretch of the campaign.

It seems that the Copa del Rey is being prioritised. Does that feeling affect the team?

No. We have prepared during the week and we are only thinking about the game against RCD Mallorca. We know that we are coming off a bad run of results and we want to change that as soon as possible. We are going to Mallorca with that intention.

What is your degree of frustration a few days after the match against FC Barcelona? Soler spoke about being self-critical but having a positive mentality after the game against Barça, and you were self-critical with a negative mentality.

When I don't win, I get annoyed. I was angry about the result. But all the statements were positive. Mine was not negative, but rather rooted in the anger that one has. Now we think about the immediate task ahead. We have very high spirits. When a game ends you're annoyed if you don't win, but now we have an ambitious mindset.

Mamardashvili has been playing. Are you planning on another change?

I have everything clear in my mind. Very clear. We have had difficulties, especially with Jasper, who is the goalkeeper who has played the most games. He is the most experienced player and he has had injuries. Goalkeepers are players. It is a specific position and they are working well to help the team.

How do you see RCD Mallorca?

They are a team that have had different phases throughout the season. They had a great start, then a bad run of results, and now they have got the good feeling back. Muriqi is giving them much more in front of goal and they have more alternatives. They are in good form.

Are you clear about what is happening to the team in defence? Do the team know the diagnosis that you have made?

Of course I'm clear about it, but I'm not going to tell you. I am a coach, I am not a mechanic who makes diagnoses. Next question, please.

Do you think that we have let ourselves go in LaLiga due to the Copa del Rey?

It may be that this feeling of hanging onto the possibility of reaching the final has caused those around us to divert attention from the league, but not the team. It is normal because the fans see the possibility of reaching a final. We cannot divert attention one iota from what is really interesting.

Do you think it's risky to gamble the season on two games, which would be to beat Athletic and win the final?

We are in the situation that we are in. It is not gambling on two cards. We have the obligation to get a good result in LaLiga and score points so as not to get into difficulties. Then we will face the match against Athletic Club, in front of our fans, with the utmost interest.