Bordalás: “We have to give our all for this club”

José Bordalás talked to the media before his side’s away game against Athletic Club on Saturday afternoon.

How do you motivate a group that apparently has no short-term sporting goals?

You may think that it is difficult, but I have already told them that we have to finish as high up the table as possible. We have a responsibility to the club we represent and, above all, to our fans. We have to demonstrate that responsibility on the pitch against Athletic Club.

Can you tell us what things you would like to see improved at Valencia CF?

This press conference is not about my future. I have a contract with Valencia CF and my plan is to be at Valencia CF next season. As I said, there are things to improve. This season, despite reaching the Copa del Rey final, we haven't been able to fight for the European places. Valencia CF are a club that must fight for European spots. We are clear that there must be players who leave, but we will have to see who comes in. Players of Valencia CF’s level must come in. We will also have to see what happens with players who maybe have to go out on loan.

Why aren't you more emphatic when talking about your future?

I am being blunt. The squad must be improved, because Valencia CF must fight to be among the best. If you get weakened every year, then you are going to find it difficult to be among the best. I have a contract, but the reality is what it is.

We had a meeting and the club informed me that they needed to sell players. The club also understand that they must bring in Valencia CF-level footballers.

Do you expect a game similar to that of the previous matches against Athletic?

Athletic Club have much more at stake, but we have to give our all for this club and these fans. The response from the fans has always been outstanding this season. We have an obligation to repay that support. There is no better way than to compete at a high level at San Mamés.

Although you have one more year on your contract, it has been published that both the club and you yourself can break the contract. Do you plan to break it?

In theory, no. My intention is to fulfil my contract.

Have the club assured you of the arrival of Valencia CF-level players?

No, but work is being done to incorporate that player profile that allows us to take a step up and fight for the European places. If they are not brought in, it will be very difficult. We have experienced that this season. Although the team have given everything, it has become clear that we need more.

Do you think that the current sporting structure can sign those players?

I think so. They have the talent and the ability. Another matter is whether Valencia CF can -or have the will- to incorporate the necessary players to aspire to higher levels.

Today you are responding with greater clarity regarding your future. Has the meeting meant that today you have fewer doubts than a few days ago?

The meeting was several weeks ago. We had to be focused on the game against Levante and we needed a victory to continue fighting for Europe. However, the least important thing is my future. The important thing is the future of Valencia CF. It has been a very good year if we compare it with the previous two. The team have not suffered with being close to the relegation places. Every team is improving and growing. If you don't improve, a season will come in which you will have serious difficulties -and Valencia CF cannot allow that.

Do you know which players the club wants to sell?

I have told the club that I understand that it is necessary to sell players. Obviously, income is needed. However, those who arrive must cover those who leave. Otherwise, we would be taking another step back. I am convinced that the sporting management are working to incorporate such players. As for sales, I can't reveal names, but many names have come out in recent days. They must represent important income for the club; if not, it would not be convenient for us.

If the club sell important players and the market shows no opportunities, would you leave?

That is a hypothesis and we cannot think about that scenario. We must focus on the real scenario. We have four games left and the higher the team finish, the better for the club. There is revenue at stake and that is also important. From there, we will see what happens, and see who leaves and who arrives.

Do you trust the majority shareholder in terms of the arrival of players?

Of course. I fully trust in him. In football, the big clubs try to improve every season and Valencia CF have to be like that. You can pay dearly if you don't. The goal has to be to grow and get better each season. The club have gone through some difficult times and I think they have overcome them. We can review this season as very positive. We must not tempt fate and should improve the squad to fight for much bigger goals, like Valencia CF deserve. I have a contract and my thoughts now are on finishing the season in the best possible way. The club will do everything possible to put together a great team.

Arambarri has been linked to the club. Is he Valencia CF level?

I don't want to talk about names anymore. There are still four games left. That player was somebody who I coached, and there was already talk about him last summer and in the winter transfer market. Right now, we aren’t thinking about him. He has just renewed his contract and Getafe have a lot at stake now. It is not ethical to speak now.

Have you set any guidelines on players and positions?

Not yet. That meeting took place weeks ago. We have not had the opportunity to talk about names or the needs of the team. That will be discussed in the coming weeks. I do not have any doubt.

Are Hugo Duro and Alderete in your planning?

They are players who have shown that they are at a good level. It will also depend on the financial possibilities and the negotiations with their parent clubs. Then it will be necessary to see if, before making the purchases effective, other players of a better level appear.

Would you like to have a more active role in the market, like last summer?

I don't like to talk about the past and complain about what came before. In football you have to live in the present. We have to finish the season well and then prepare for the next campaign. That is what concerns me. I always try to play an active role and try to help with the experience I have as a coach. We have to make as few mistakes as possible. I know the squad perfectly and the level that the players can provide. I'm even clear about the players who have to leave, because they can't help the demands of Valencia CF. From there, between all of us, we must work to make a much better Valencia CF.