Gattuso: “I’m happy with the performance”

Gennaro Gattuso spoke after the 1-1 draw between Valencia CF and Real Sociedad on Matchday 13 of the LaLiga season.

Do you think there was a lack of ambition in your substitutions?

I have lost 4-5 games when the opposition have been down to ten men. You can lose against ten men. Real Sociedad are a great team. I am happy with the changes. It was a difficult match. We crossed many times with few players in the area to score. We could have done better in the construction of our play. It was enough with two centre backs and a pivot. I think we didn’t do this well, but I’m happy with the performance. We had the advantage of playing against ten men, but I liked the way the team played.

What analysis do you make of the match?

We had an advantage because Real Sociedad started very well and scored, and it helped us that they went down to ten men. We could make the transitions with the ball better. Many times we crossed in with few players there. I think that we could have done better.

What did the team lack to finish off Real Sociedad?

We could have play with less worry, trying something a little more elaborate. We always played safely. Today we lacked attacking with more depth, with a first-class ball through, or a dribble in the final meters. I think we've been shooting very little in the last few games.

Do you think the same about the defensive model of Real Sociedad today as before the game?

It is difficult to play against Real Sociedad. I played against them in the Europa League three years ago. I like their mentality and their coach. They are a team that can play tiki-taka, but they also attack you with depth, with strong players and skill. It is a style that I like. I really like their coach and the mentality of the team. They have followed the same path for 3-4 years and that is good for them.

Since Gabriel Paulista was injured last year he has suffered an ordeal with injuries. Is it time to see what can be done about it?

He was fine. He has played matches at a high level. I think it's not serious. He took a knock to the hip and I think he has no injuries. He is an important player because of his mentality, because of what he gives the dressing room. We hope he has no problem.

Will Cavani be able to play on Thursday?

We will see. I don’t know. We hope to have him with us, but tomorrow we will see how his ankle is.

Today you used Foulquier in the middle again. Do you still think that it is not necessary to sign players?

I did that because he is a player similar to Musah in terms of his strength. He has a lot of strength and I thought he could get into the box and control facing forwards.