Valencia CF defender, Gabriel Paulista, talks on VCF Media RADIO about the start of the season and the upcoming LaLiga EA Sports 23-24 clash against Girona FC.

Match against Girona FC

"We are already thinking about the next game because it will be a tough and difficult match. Yesterday I watched the match against Athletic Club de Bilbao to study them. They play well with the ball, they have a good exit with the central defenders and they have good players up front. Savinho is a player who faces a lot and we are very attentive to all this. It is a very competitive league where there are no easy matches. We have to be very good defensively".

Great defensive level

"I'm very happy about the records at home. The fans help us a lot. We have to keep growing and never go down. Away from home we have to be more confident. When you work hard, the rewards come. When we talk about the defense, it's not just the defenders, it's also thanks to the strikers".

Away from home

"The game against Real Betis we conceded two goals from set pieces and it really hurt us. Against Real Madrid, we tried to play one-on-one, but they were very effective. It is important to improve our away record, although we are competing well. Keeping a clean sheet brings us closer to getting things done".

Baraja

"From the beginning we started to work a lot on the defensive line and that is noticeable in every game. After the matches, Baraja shows us the videos to improve and continue to grow".

Young players

"I'm happy when I see the VCF Academy kids playing well. It takes me back because when I was young I suffered a lot and had few opportunities. The boys have plenty of opportunities. Cristhian is a simple guy, I like him a lot as a person and for his day-to-day work. I try to help him as much as I can. It's a great joy. Diakhaby also helps the young players a lot".

Mosquera

"I'm sure he's going to be a great center-back and I'm very happy. On his first day I saw that he had something and he always said he was going to be a great player and he is proving it. He has to continue with that humility and hard work because things will happen. He is so confident that he looks like a veteran".

Three consecutive starts

"This stretch is going to be very difficult, both physically and mentally. Baraja shows us that all the players are important. We are all committed and focused because the opportunities are going to come."

Injuries

"I had some very complicated moments when I wanted to play more, but injuries prevented me from doing so. I managed to come back and recover well. I am very grateful to Baraja for his confidence, I spoke to him at the beginning of the season and he gave it to me. It's eight games in a row and I want to continue to grow with the young players".