Baraja: "We want to dedicate the victory to the victims and those affected by the 'DANA'"
The coach previews the game against Real Betis
Voro González talked to the media about the away game against Girona FC, which Valencia CF lost 1-0.
Analysing the game
From the first moment the club decided that I would come in, I started working with my coaching staff to find solutions. We need to grow through defensive consistency. We have worked on that. Against Real Madrid we kept that up in the first half and that was the way forward. Today we have also tried that; in the first half we tried to concede little possession, but they created chances and we had some too. In the second half, Girona had more of the ball and were superior, especially after taking the lead and with us having to risk more. We tried changing the system, but it wasn't to be.
The reaction
What we have worked on and what I see is that the players want to get out of this situation. We are trying to be more organised. This is a process and we have only had a few days. These are not excuses, it is reality. We have to grow from that defensive planning. We have lost two in a row and we are in a difficult situation that we have to find our way out of. There are 18 games left and we cannot give up. Next week we don't have a midweek game. The situation is getting more and more difficult, but we have a lot of time left and a reality: We have to change and, above all, win.
The strength to change things
I see myself as having the strength to work on what I think the team need. That is the way. We haven't been here for long. We have 10 games in 35 days. Before the World Cup break we thought about Europe and reality has taken us to another place. That has to be assimilated. I think I have the strength to contribute with my experience of all the times I have been to find that path forward. It is not easy and it is not found overnight. We are a team that for many months have been defending with the ball, now we have seen some games in which we did not feel comfortable with the ball and we had to change. It is a process, but we need results.
Reality
It is not a problem to say the word relegation. We know the reality and that there is a long way to go, and that it is a run of 1 point from 18, and we know the situation we are in. There is a long way left, but we cannot continue in the same way. The important thing is to see the reality of what we can do, where we are going and how we are going to achieve it. It is a process that is not easy, but we are going to try.
We have to react now. Based on the reality of the situation, all the players and the entire coaching staff have to come up with the best solutions so that the team can compete better.
Mental block
It's a mental block that any team that goes through a phase like this can have. It is logical in a sporting situation in which you need to win and you don't win, and responsibility and concern is also a fundamental component in football.
What I see is that the players, on a day-to-day basis, they want it. Here there is no bad atmosphere. We are in a process in which there are young players who can also be affected. The best solution is to step forward and work to overcome the problem we have, which we know what it is and have identified it. Next week we don't have a game in midweek and it's going to help us because we've played a lot of games in recent weeks.
Reality
We have 1 point from a possible 18. The dressing room know what the reality is. We only have to look at the table. It is our reality. We have good footballers who have almost never been in similar situations and we have to adapt to knowing that there is a lot left to do, but go for the three points with mental strength and daring in the next game and with the responsibility acquired by the situation that Valencia CF are going through.
If we take the last 6 games, I'm sure we are the worst team. That's the reality. But we are not better or worse because of our history, budget or stadium. What counts is what is done on the pitch.
Guillamon
I see Hugo as taking responsibility for the situation. I don't know if he is performing differently because of a mental issue or not. He has had a phase of not playing and now he has played more games, at the Bernabéu he did well and we needed Hugo to give the team possession and bring the ball out. We have several players with those characteristics. The problem is not Hugo Guillamón, the problems are different ones -and above all at a collective level.
Coaching
The coach has an important role because every group needs a direction with some ideas that are appropriate. Since the club decided that I could contribute, I stepped forward and I am here. I can't do more. I strive to find solutions for the team through hard work. The club showed confidence in me to get the team out of this situation, but it's just been a few days. I am here because of responsibility. If we don't win games, I imagine another coach will come. I have no problem with that. But that doesn't mean I am ruling myself out. The club must make the best decisions for the team to improve and salvage the situation. I am going to continue with the idea that together we all have to improve the situation. It's a very harsh reality and the sooner we assimilate and face it, the sooner we will be in a position to score points.
The fans
We cannot ask anything of the fans. What we have to do on the pitch is work and give them reasons to get behind the team. We can't ask them for anything more. We know what the situation is. The players need the support of the fans, but we are not in a position to ask for anything. The fans are great and our duty is to work hard to get out of this situation.
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