Chema Sanz: “There is a great connection, we will compete better and we will grow as a team”

Valencia CF assistant coach Chema Sanz, spoke to VCF MEDIA Radio this week to talk about how the team are working at the Ciudad Deportiva, the connection between the players and coaching staff, and the spirit in the dressing room.

Daily work at the Ciudad Deportiva

“Javi Gracia is a very easy coach to work with; he is a coach who believes in dialogue, who gives us responsibility and gives each of us our space, trying to integrate us all. He is passionate about his job. Our day to day work is very positive and we have a very good group with the coaching staff and the players. People go into every training session with great enthusiasm.”

The quality of a united dressing room

“Our group is very good – both in terms of the coaching staff and also the players. We have a very committed, very responsible, hard-working dressing room. Things are great with our daily work, and that is a good foundation for the results to come. That unity shows the commitment that there is, the need and the motivation to win a match.”

Momentum after the last two victories

“Winning is always the best thing for improving mood, confidence and conviction. The team are growing steadily, competing until the end and not giving up. We have a fighting group that wants more and is dedicated. In the end, that will bring us results and reward our work. We have two victories in a row, and we are excited about achieving the third, the fourth and so on. We are convinced and we know that we are capable of competing with anyone.”

The ability to resist and overcome any difficulty

“This has to go well. Even with the difficulty that is there, it has to go well, as there are many hours that have gone into this and a great connection between everyone. I am convinced that we will compete better, that we will grow and that we will have a good second half of the season. The players are going to grow as the competition progresses; we have good players, we want more and we fight through to the last minute -and that has to be rewarded.”

The Valencia CF fans

“We don’t have them close to us and we miss it. A full Mestalla is always a very tough place to come for an opposing team. Group responsibility, commitment, ability and unity are very important. When you want, believe, insist and persist, good things come.”

The role of the captains

“The captains are exemplary on a professional and personal level, and there is no better example to follow right now. Our motto is to take things day by day to try to win as many matches as possible. Right now, the priority is the match against AD Alcorcón; we are excited about the Copa del Rey and we want to go as far as possible in it. We believe that we can grow in the cup and compete in LaLiga. We have no limits.”

The VCF Academy

“Valencia CF have a very important Academy, and a great job is being done there. There are very good players there, and having people from the youth system come through is important. The VCF Academy is constantly providing players for the first team. They are players who identify with the club and who love the club. That says a lot about the job that is being done. Looking ahead, they will contribute a lot.”