Celades: "We will adapt to injury absences against Atalanta"

Albert Celades spoke about his side's approach to their visit to San Siro in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday night.

Facing the game against Atalanta BC

"We're playing against a very attacking team who are very potent offensively. They are Serie A's top goalscorers and amongst the top scorers in Europe. They are  having a fantastic, phenomenal season. They are a side who play with a lot of joy and are free-flowing up top. The stats for the goals that they have scored show that. Regardless of the absentees that we have, and the missing centre backs, we will try to compete as best as possible with what we have."

The effect of absentees through injury

"The reality is that this has been habitual for us since we've arrived here. We been playing with a lot of players out, but we have been adapting to situations like this. It's a pity that the players can't come along to participate in a game like this, a Champions League knockout at San Siro. It's also a big opportunity for those who can play and compete in the game. We will adapt to the situation."

Playing away from home

"It's true that our performance away from home hasn't been good, but we've also had very good situations in away games, especially in the Champions League. We won in London and Amsterdam and we didn't lose in France against Lille. We'll see if we are able to provide that good version of ourselves away from home. We are aware of the importance of the tie and we face it as such."

Kondogbia and Guedes improvements

"Guedes is coming off a long term injury, and that requires time. He's played several games already, and the other day he made his first start. That's the way to get him back to his best. He knows the confidence that we have in him and he's performing well.

"As for Kondogbia, he had a good game against Atletico and against FC Barcelona. We need him at the same level, because he's very important for us like that."

2,300 travelling supporters

"I thank them for being with us. The support of the fans is very important. The good home run that we have is down to that. It's down to the support of the fans. Every time that we play away and the fans travel with us and help us, we sense it. I hope that they enjoy themselves. It's been a few years since we were last in a situation like this, in which Valencia CF have got past the group stage. I think its a moment for fans to get back into a good situation after a few years away in the Champions League. I hope that they enjoy this situation."