Gracia: "We are convinced that this is our game"

Valencia CF are set to take on Real Valladolid on Sunday, although a series of cancellations to LaLiga fixtures due to weather conditions have put all teams on alert. Expecting the match to go ahead, coach Javi Gracia spoke in his pre-match press conference on Sunday.

Weather conditions in Valladolid

There is no news regarding the situation for the game. There has been a modification to our travel. We had planned to fly the same day as the game, but throughout the week LaLiga recommended that we travel the day before, then yesterday notified that it was better to fly on matchday and that is what we will do. In principle there is no other novelty. We will see how the weather develops We have prepared for the game normally.

A big game

The game has huge importance. We have the feeling of playing finals every day, because of the importance of the games: In the Copa del Rey because they are knockout games, and in LaLiga because of the need for points. I am happy with the performance we showed in the last game. There is no A, B or C side. We are a team and whoever we see fit for the game will always be fielded. We started very well, then we knew how to handle our advantage. Hopefully the result serves as a stimulus to achieve other better results. To say that I give more importance to this game, diminishes the importance of previous matches. We attach great importance to this game, because it is the next one up and because we need those points. We are preparing with all the enthusiasm in the world, looking at it as a match that we have to win. We have also prepared for the previous games in the same way.

Real Valladolid

Real Valladolid have been doing things very well in recent years, with the same coach. They are a consistent, solid and very well organised team. They have had some tactical variations recently that can vary their formation, such as in their last game going from using two strikers to using only one. However, their concepts and style of play are very well defined. They are always a demanding team. Added to this, we have more difficult weather conditions to contend with for both teams, with how cold it will be. We will see how the playing surface holds up. In terms of the match itself, we are very aware and convinced that this is our game.

The mood in the dressing room

After drawing against Cádiz CF, the dressing room was obviously hurting. After a victory, the feeling is of joy at having won and continuing in the competition. Then we go back to our everyday feeling, one of preparation for the next game. We’ve kept up a very high spirit of hard work, all the time. We will continue with that dynamic.

Fighting against adversity

More than us being asleep, I would say that we are wounded, suffering. We are fighting with the adversity of our results and our situation. I don't think we are asleep, because there is great will and great effort involved. Things can turn out better or worse, regardless.

Happiness with Kang In

I'm happy with how Kang In works in training and also with his performance in games. When he is available, he is a one of the team, and when he plays he is doing well. Now, due to the suspension of Gonçalo Guedes, who is playing more as a forward, and with Gameiro's injury, he has more room to play -and I am sure that he will do well.

Racic’s return

Uros Racic has been through an entire process. He is pushing to return to a normal dynamic with the team. I’m not going to say that he is 100% certain to play a full game. What I can say is that he has a great predisposition, he is close to a full return and if necessary he could play 90 minutes. It depends on how he evolves.

Cillessen’s recovery

He is recovering favourably. He is going out onto the training pitch and doing all the exercises within his means. He is making good progress, but in the short term he will not be available yet.

Sibille’s performance

I work with the players we have. In the Copa del Rey we needed a central defender and Kevin Sibille was the best option. I work with the players available. I don't know if in a month’s time he will have the same opportunities or not. It will depend on the makeup of the squad. I work with what I have as if it were the squad that I will have all season. My approach is to use VCF Mestalla players, as they train with us a lot of the time.