Bordalás: "We want to win again at home”

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás spoke to the media on Friday, ahead of the LaLiga Matchday 27 game against Granada at Mestalla.

What do you think of Betis' making it into the Copa del Rey final?

It was a possibility. They had taken an advantage in the first game. They are a great team. Either of the two sides would have been difficult opponents.

What is the injury situation for tomorrow?

We have a few problems. Giorgi Mamardashvili had a sore throat and a slight fever, but we trust that he has recovered. Gabriel Paulista has trained. Gayà has trained on his own. Ilaix and Alderete are suspended.

Is it difficult for the team to focus on LaLiga with the final so close?

That has to be something that the team are able to do. We have to focus on LaLiga. When the final arrives, we will prepare for it in good time. Tomorrow we have a tremendously important game. We're playing at home again, and it's been a long time since we won at home in LaLiga. We cannot think that the season is done, just because we have got into the final. We are facing a Granada team who have a lot at stake, and they are not going to be easy opponents.

How do you think tomorrow's game will be? Could the lack of rest affect you?

It may be a handicap, but we are professionals. You have to reset on a mental level. We cannot think that we have had fewer days than the opponents. This is part of high level competition. Good teams play in several competitions and you have to be prepared. We must face tomorrow's game with the utmost interest against a team that have good players -even though they are not doing well in the table. Last year, with almost the same squad, they had a great season. Suárez, Milla, Molina, Puertas, Machís… they have good footballers.

Is the formation with three centre backs going to remain?

Sometimes you have to adapt to the players you have, or the ones that you have for each game. This week we don't have Alderete and the same three central defenders can't play. We will also see if Gabriel cis available. He has come back after three months out, and he has played two very demanding games. The other day he was smart and he asked for the change before he got injured. It is also possible that we will play with four in defence.

Is creating chances the unfinished business of the team?

Teams have to grow through being very consistent. In the Mallorca match we lacked something else, and the team maybe lacked confidence due to the streak we were coming off. Against Athletic we were superior in some phases of the game and the team can continue to grow from there. We want to win again at home and make the fans happy again, to get closer to the top positions.

Will Gayà be taken care of so that he reaches the final one hundred percent fit?

We take care of everyone. We trust that José will be back as soon as possible. We aren’t just thinking about the cup. LaLiga is very important and we can't forget about it. We are very excited about the final, but the reality now is LaLiga. If we perform at a good level, it will give us confidence for the cup final.

What injury does Gayà have?

The injury is not one of the most serious. He has a small injury and we hope to have him back very soon. He takes good care of himself and already has experience with this type of injury. He will be with the team soon.

How optimistic are you about Bryan Gil and Hugo Duro staying?

Both of them have given us a lot since they arrived. Right now, we are focused on the current season, on the day-to-day work, and we aren’t thinking beyond that. Perhaps there is more difficulty with Bryan because there isn’t an option to buy him in his loan deal. They are young and progressing, and both would be welcome to continue with us.

What was your talk about to shift the focus back to LaLiga, and what did you think about the celebration the other day in the dressing room?

We have been looking at footage of the opponents and their strengths. Above all, we have commented that we should focus on Laliga and not on the previous game.

Regarding the celebration, I can appear to be very serious, but we are all people. It was time to enjoy ourselves and be with the team. It was a moment of satisfaction. Everything has a time and a place. Now I am in Laliga mode.

What was your greeting to Hugo Duro?

It’s a thing between us. Between Hugo Duro and Cheryshev. They are very funny.

Do you feel liberated after Wednesday? Have you received any message from the majority shareholder?

I don't consider myself the protagonist in anything. The protagonists are Valencia CF and their fans. The squad have been alleviated and so have the fans. I am calm and I have plenty of experience.

The president conveyed congratulations to me on behalf of the majority shareholder. I don't give importance to us having a meeting or not. I speak daily with the president and he passes on the impressions of the majority shareholder.

Two great fanbases will face each other. Might Betis be favourites due to the fact that the final will be played in Seville?

They both go into this supporting their team. There will be a very nice atmosphere. They are two great sets of fans. We are both great teams and in finals there are no favourites. We have seen it historically. Favourites don't always win. When the game arrives, we will try to give joy to our fans. It will come. Now we are focused on LaLiga.

What is the limit for this team after what has happened?

Our league has the virtue of having tremendous equality. The table does not define anything. A few years ago, opponents from the lower half were beaten comprehensively. Now we are seeing how practically relegated teams, like Levante for example, achieve important victories. We have had a recent experience ourselves, against Alavés. We have to respect our opponents a lot. If we aren’t at our best, the chances of victory are reduced. We are obliged to give everything.

What is the team’s mentality?

Wednesday's match has shown them that they have the capacity to do big things. The challenge now is to maintain it over time. That is the difference. A player who is inconsistent can’t be an important player. The same with a team. If you achieve a great feat, but you don't have consistency, you won't be able to be among the best. We know that it is not easy, that we are a very young team, but I am convinced that the team will grow and have confidence for the final stretch.

What does the bond that has been created with the fans mean to you?

I have to thank them. It is incredible for the Valencia CF fans to chant your name and praise your commitment. However, I like more that others are praised. I like to stay in the background.

What do you think of those of those who continue with the criticism of ‘anti-football.’?

This topic doesn't interest me at all. I am interested in the good performance of the team. We enjoy the good moments, get angry in the less good ones and continue working with humility in order to keep growing.