Gracia: "The team showed character to get a point"

Valencia CF coach Javi Gracia assessed the showing from his side in the 1-1 draw with Deportivo Alavés, talking in his post-match press conference.

Analysing the game

"The team didn't start the game badly. We have tried to spend longer in the opposition half. We came close to finishing some chances from set pieces. It wasn't a game with many chances. In the second half we had the clearest one, with a goal disallowed and the clearest chance: That pass across amongst several players. that it seems incredible that no one was able to finish. Then, when the game was more open in both halves, we conceded that goal from a long ball. At the time I thought it was unfair for us to drop points or lose a game like today's. The team showed character to get a draw, but the result is not enough for us. The way that the game was going, the draw allowed us to at least gain a point."

Continuing to work

"I'm not celebrating the draw today. I am try to explain the situation. The way that the game was going, it is always better to pick up a point than to not. We were aware of the importance of the three points today. Our home games have been where we have been strongest, and where we have achieved better results. We offer the best performance that we can. We work hard and we try to compete well, aware of the importance of the points, but when it comes to competing we are struggling. We are trying and we will keep trying."

Guedes' position

"Gonçalo is having very good performances and is the player who contributes the most to changing games. Kevin came into this match from having scored a goal. But we are also seeing a lack of presence in the area at certain times, and for that job we also have Maxi. We try to choose the best option. Today I believed that we had better reinforcements on the left and we moved Guedes to the right, albeit giving him freedom. I think he had a good game."

Substitutions

"We have to make do with what we have and continue working on it. Regarding the changes, in every game I try to make the decisions that the team needs. We conceded a goal in the final minutes and I was evaluating the option of making a change, but I considered it appropriate for those who were already on to continue. I didn't do anything more because I understood that those who were on the pitch were working well."