Gracia: “We have to adjust details that are losing us games”

Javi Gracia gave a press conference following the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Villarreal CF, and spoke about what needs to be improved by his side.

What the team lack to win games

“Our performance, effort, attitude and play was good at certain times. We improved as the game went on, although it was insufficient for us to achieve a good result. We will have to fine-tune details, not concede the early goals that we sometimes do -and which turn the game on its head, undermining our chance of points. As the game has progressed, the team adjusted things in attack and defence; we were more comfortable and we have had more of a chance. In the second half we had more transitions and more counterattacks, then we conceded the second goal. These details are taking their toll, such as shots that graze a player and go in. We will try to correct the details to obtain better results.”

Slip-ups on the playing surface

“I am not aware of what type of studs the players use. Before games we remind them that the important thing is that they have good grip. We saw that there were some slips, and that we had to adjust. There are pitches that -even when wet on the surface- are still hard on the bottom, so regardless of the studs you use, you can slip over. It’s not an excuse; it is something that we also have to adjust. We improve everything that is making us lose games.”

Conceding early goals

“It’s true that the games are becoming uphill struggles within a short time, and granting these kinds of advantages means it is more difficult to win games. It decreases our possibility of taking points and means you need to make an even bigger effort.”

Kang In’s absence

“With the first change, we chose to bring on Cheryshev out on the left wing. We looked at which alternatives were better for us. We put Gameiro up front, and as we did not want to take off Maxi Gómez we removed a right back to bring on an attacking player in Jason. We brought on Manu Vallejo to do damage off second balls and we took many risks by subbing on many attacking players for our counters -which never arrived. We believed that those changes were the ones that we should make.”