Gattuso: "I liked the mentality, although we didn't kill off the game and we have to improve"

Gennaro Gattuso spoke after the 2-1 defeat for Valencia CF by Villarreal CF, in his post-match press conference.

What is your assessment of the game? 

In the first 10 or 15 minutes we took a lot of risks, then the team played very well, but we had several dangerous situations which we failed to convert. In the second half, Villarreal CF didn't play through the middle, the pace of the game was very low, we were controlling things very well and I think they didn't have chances because the game was very much under control. The difference today was made by the set piece with two minutes to go. 

Are you concerned that the team may be over-reliant on Cavani? 

It's not Cavani's problem. The problem is that when we had opportunities we missed the last pass, when we had to shoot we didn't... We failed in our decision making on the final ball, but I repeat that I liked the game. We played against a great team, who had difficulties and we had the opportunity to score the second goal, but we didn’t get it. 

Did Valencia CF concede too many chances? 

How many chances did Villarreal CF have? In the first minute they had one. After that, what have they had? Let's see if I was watching another game. If you watched the game, I don't know why you ask me that. They had three or four. In recent years, how many chances have Villarreal CF generated in matches against Valencia CF?

Do you think the defeat is fair? 

The result is not correct for us. I think that for us the fairest thing was a draw. 

What do you take that is positive from this game? 

I liked the game, I liked the mentality, although we were not able to kill off the game despite the fact that we had four or five chances. We have to improve some things, but we have done a lot of positive things.

What assessment do you make of 2022 and what do you ask for from 2023? 

I ask to continue to improve what we are missing, because it is not the first time that we have conceded after the 80th minute. We do not have to use the excuse that we are a young team, we are working in a good way, but we must improve our mentality and give continuity to our play.