Baraja: “We didn't know how to manage the scoreline"

Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja gave a press conference after the away defeat against RCD Mallorca in LALIGA EA SPORTS.

Defensive lapses

“The analysis has to be done based on the final result. It should have been a draw, based on what we saw. Mallorca were very successful in the two actions in which they had the opportunity to score, and we squandered a 0-1 advantage that we had. 

If we don't understand that in the situation we are in, with how we have been suffering since the beginning of the season, then in games like today you don't hold on to those leads, and then everything is more difficult. 

We have to be self-critical and think that to get points we have to have a different character, experience the game in a different way. We lost concentration for their two chances. We have to make sure that this doesn't happen if we want to get points, especially away from home. The game was under control, there was no excessive danger from Mallorca and from two specific actions they won the game.”

Changing the dynamic

“You change it with mentality, character, attitude, wanting to be there, with concentration, intensity. We insisted a lot on the final minutes, the start of the game and the restarts, and today they penalised us a lot. We had a serious game, maybe not enough to win, but to have a chance to get points. 

We know that when you are suffering down there, getting points away from home is always positive and helps with the momentum. Today we didn't know how to manage the scoreline. It's very hard. The result is very harsh after what we saw in the game. Two shots, two goals for Mallorca and we lost a good opportunity to continue the momentum. If we want to change this, it must stop happening.”

A lack of concentration

“It was an action where the ball came out from the back and went behind us. We have to see that early and snuff it out. We gave Mallorca the chance to win the match. We lost the match.”