Baraja: “We are working to give our best against CD Leganés”

Rubén Baraja, Valencia CF coachspoke before his team’s game on Friday evening against CD Leganés at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.

Jesús Vázquez is out

“Apart from the usual players, there are no other players missing for this game. He had an incident in the training game where his adductor muscle was over-stretched and will be out for three weeks.”

CD Leganes

“They are a team that had a great season last season in terms of solidity and organization. The energy that Primera División gives you and the motivation that they have make them a dangerous opponent this year because of their variations. We must try to do things well and focus on ourselves instead of respecting them. We have to do our best.”

Trust in Baraja

“I feel supported and 100% calm. I am confident that this shift in the dynamics of results can happen and I am working towards it. If I didn’t think like that, I probably wouldn’t be here.”

The development of the season

“I continue to believe in the process, in the moment, and we also have to put things in context. We had planned this launch; we didn’t expect to have so few points, but it could happen. We can’t be exaggerated and we have to focus on the game and know that tomorrow we have to improve a lot of things, the players understand that and we will try to do it tomorrow.”

Possible change in formation

“We will try to find the best solutions to have a good game. We will try to get the team to compete well.”

Gaya

“I think if a team loses their captain or one of their best players, that will of course be felt. You have to accept that. The most important thing is that he is well and the idea is to see how he progresses so that when he returns he comes back with the guarantee of competing. We are optimistic.”

squad

“During the week we worked on things and I hope the players will respond tomorrow. However, we must not forget that in any situation, I am the one who bears the most responsibility for everything that happens – both the good and the bad.”

Meeting with the club

“I always thought that something would go wrong in many meetings, but I didn’t have that feeling. I feel 100% supported. I concentrate my energy on my job and have to handle situations in the best possible way. There was nothing special (in terms of communication). They trust in my work, in us and that everything will work out. It gives me peace of mind.”

Differences in the away game at Mestalla

“When you’re not competitive, you’re not consistent, and on top of that you’re in this dynamic where every mistake or error becomes a goal, that’s an added difficulty that affects you emotionally.” At home, the players may feel stronger . I give them the feeling that, as the big club we are, we have to try to be competitive both home and away, no matter who is playing.”

The upcoming schedule

“Leganés is our next game. The goal is very clear and is to try not to suffer and to have to fight at the bottom as little as possible. It shouldn’t surprise us. We are playing against a team that has done quite well at home, it will be difficult and we have to try to get points and change the dynamic away from home.”

Sanction against Atlético de Madrid

“Everyone can have their opinion and I respect everyone’s opinion. I won’t judge anything. The only thing I can say is that I think we scrupulously complied with the sanction imposed on us by the league, but it was unfair. I realize that all forms of violence must be eradicated – in football and beyond.”

His post-match statements after the defeat against Real Sociedad

“I always show my feelings and it hurt me a lot how the game went. This is football and it can happen. We have to try to make it clear to players that these details make the difference in games.”