Gennaro Gattuso: “I’m very happy about today’s performance and we have to continue in this way”

Valencia CF’s head coach, Gennaro Gattuso spoke in post-match press conference after knocking out Real Sporting Gijón by a comprehensive 0-4 scoreline.

The formation

We played very well in the last two games, starting and ending well. The game with Cádiz killed us because if we look at the table we have to be worried, but we liked these last two games because we pushed from the opening minute. Today's match against Sporting Gijon was not an easy game. We have to continue in this way

Jesús Vázquez and André Almeida

Jesús is another member of the squad. He has to train well and when he has the opportunity, take advantage of it. He came in and did well. He is not going out on loan in this winter market. He is in the squad to play on the left side of the defence with Gayá, because Lato is playing in another position.

Kluivert and Lino benefitting from the formation

When we lost to Cádiz we thought for a long time about how to change, because things weren't working, but we also had to improve our style of play because today we didn't always press correctly, the defensive line had to be broken and that wasn't always done. We have to improve these little things, but I am very happy with how we are playing when we keep the ball.

His fears before the match
I was afraid of this match because when the opposition change coaches the players are very eager and have more energy. In addition, we were playing at this stadium against a historic club, and Valencia CF lost the last game here when they won the Copa del Rey in 2019. Sporting have quality and experienced players and that is why I was afraid.

A call to the fans to attend against Almería

On Monday we have a very difficult game against a team that knows how to play good football and knows how to control the game. On Monday we need the fans to push, and to help us because it is a fundamental match for us.

The cup

The club give great importance to the Copa del Rey. Before the game, I spoke with Layhoon and she told me that she liked the idea of being able to qualify for the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. I had a lot of respect for Sporting Gijon and I am very happy with how we played and how we took advantage of opportunities.


Confidence coming with wins

Our problem in these four and five months is not having had continuity, because the team have played games with a great mentality and great quality of play, but we have lacked small things. We have lost incredible games, we have not had continuity and we have to improve in this, the technical-tactical capacity, the mentality when we play LaLiga and Copa del Rey games.

Tactical changes

I don't like playing with two lines of 4 because it's more difficult against a team that knows how to play football, because they have many passing lanes. I don't like 4-4-2 but I have to find a solution right now. I'm not a fan of 4-4-2.

A turning point against Cádiz

We could have played for three or four days and we wouldn't have scored. We played long balls. We lacked the hunger and the desire to go play with our style of play.

High pressure

I knew how Miguel Ángel Ramírez played when he coached in America and won the title in Ecuador. We prepared the game based on whether they played with a line of 4 or 5. The players had information from their coach. I sleep little and I like to work to have information.

We always try to apply high pressure, sometimes the problem is that we have to improve this because when you press the opponent they play long balls and second balls. Several times today we didn't press well because the defence sometimes had to break and didn't, or the midfielders had to move. I always like to press high and I'm convinced that the team will do well.

How far can Valencia CF go in the cup?

I don't know, but I think I have a team of very young, talented kids who always train hard. Right now we have to improve mentally, not technically. Our position in LaLiga is not good and we have to work hard. I don't know how far the team can go, but this is a team that has technical quality; perhaps we have to improve our mentality.
 

Little rest and lots of injuries

I already said that after the World Cup a new season would begin for everyone, because we hadn't played for 55 days and we had another preseason in the middle of the season that was new for everyone.

There will be injuries for sure, and we have to be lucky. We have had minor injuries for Diakhaby or Thierry. But there will be injuries because it is the first time that this break has been made for the World Cup.

Valencia CF going for more goals against Sporting

When you play, you play. You have to respect your opponents, not hurt them with challenges, not do 'theatre'... but you have to continue. I'm very happy about not having conceded a goal and for having scored many goals, because it gives you a boost in mentality. We had a lot of respect for the opponent and we played our own game.

The Copa del Rey and LaLiga

I'm not only thinking about the cup. At a difficult time, I have to put the best side possible out on the pitch. I like the Copa del Rey, but I also like picking up points in LaLiga, becauce we need that: We have seven or eight teams who are separated by two or three points. The priority isn't the Copa del Rey, it's to continute with what we are doing.