Celades: "The three remaining games will be definitive for us"

Following Valencia CF’s draw against LOSC Lille, in which they led the way from the 63rd until the 94th minute, coach Albert Celades answered questions from journalists in his post-match press conference.

How the game got away from Valencia CF

“We were uncomfortable during the entire game, or at least the majority of it. There was a spell in the second half in which we were better, but we found it very hard to play in the opposition half, have the ball and defend better. That’s the reality of the situation.”

LOSC Lille’s change of tactics

“They played in a way that isn’t habitual for them, and we tried to correct things as quickly as possible. They left some regular starters on the bench, but I don’t think that was the main reason for the draw.”

Lille’s chances

“They came close on many occasions and we were very uncomfortable. We had difficulties linking passes together, playing in the opposition half and enjoying opportunities of real danger. That meant that we held back, which is also credit to Lille. We leave here with a draw, and the goal that they scored in stoppage time could have come sooner, with the many chances they had.”

Team morale

“With Chelsea’s victory against Ajax, things are a little tighter. There are six games to be played and everything counts. The three games that remain for us will be definitive. The format of the competition means that you know you have to play on the limit; the opposition are of the highest level and we know the difficulties that we face.”

Attitude in the game

“We know that we didn’t have a good game. We’re clear about that. We were very uncomfortable from the start. I don’t know what happened last year, but Lille are a very good side who provided a lot of difficulties. They have our full respect. They were better than us today -that’s the reality. It wasn’t our best game, we have to improve to keep progressing, and there is no doubt in our mind about that.”

Dealing with Lille’s high press

“We knew that it was a possibility. They gave us many difficulties during most of the game, and we weren’t able to bring the ball out like we usually do. Their high press made us uncomfortable.”

Diakhaby’s sending off

“Diakhaby’s red card was important in the game. He received two yellow cards in quick succession, but he also had been having a good game up until then. We are happy with his performance every time that he plays.”

Kang In coming on for Gameiro

“We were looking to have a little more of the ball. We also evaluated the fitness side: Gameiro played a little while the other day and played again today after injury. We didn’t think that he was fit enough to play 90 minutes yet.”