Gracia: "We need to face each game aware of the importance of every point"

Ahead of Sunday's LaLiga game against FC Barcelona (9pm CEST), Valencia CF coach Javi Gracia spoke to the media in his pre-match press conference.

Being focused and accountable

"What we have to do is stay focused on our job and be aware of the importance of each point at stake. We must face each game knowing the importance of each point and we are going to do so. We are going to try to score many points as we can, to place as high up the table as possible."

Fan support

"This has been a very demanding season, and difficult for everyone. I understand that the Valencia CF fans support the team in any situation; they are a very loyal set of fan. We have the experience of having competed well against Barça at another time this season. We were able to score a point by having a good game. They come into this one off an adverse result, but they are a team on the rise and are fully involved in the fight for the title. We know how difficult it is to face FC Barcelona, ​​but our hopes are high and we will try to compete as we did in the first meeting between us."

Focusing on football

"My level of restlessness or tranquility depends on the need to score points, and I am focused on the games that remain for us. The important thing is tomorrow's match, then the game against Real Valladolid. The best thing that I can do is stay focused on my work and try to score as many points as possible."

Adjusting to a demanding schedule

"When we have a week in which we play three games, we don't have the usual rest that we have in other weeks. We evaluate the work we need to do to prepare for the matches and adjust to the time we have. In weeks like this, we have had more time to rest. It is important to adjust our exertion well. This season in we have had many, many injuries. Today the entire squad trained. At the time of the season that we are in, it is very important to have the entire squad available. There is a factor of luck, but also a great job being done that I would like to acknowledge."

A full squad available

"Cillessen has been training with the team for some time, but we thought it was premature for him to come into the matchday squad for the last game. Correia is also available now. He has had a very good recovery, through the work of the medical services. Diakhaby is a player I can count on whenever I want and for whatever I want. Last week we opted for another pair of centre backs, but he is an important player for the team. Maxi is a great striker. He will go through spells like all forwards, but he has always been close to scoring. He hasn't scored recently due to some bad luck, although he has participated in our goals."

Previewing the match

"You have to do a lot of things well to beat FC Barcelona. They have the attacking potential to get wins. Real Sociedad did not have a bad game against them and still conceded six goals. If Barça are in form, you have few chances to get something positive from the game. With our strengths, we can compete -and we are going to do our best. I feel that we have that need, and we have to play our games with that sense of neccesity. From here to the end of the season we have to do better, and we have to deliver even more to get as many points as possible."