Baraja: "We want to dedicate the victory to the victims and those affected by the 'DANA'"

Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja talked to the media ahead of his side’s return to action, as they take on Real Betis at 2 pm on Saturday, November 23rd on Matchday 14 of LaLiga EA Sports. 

His message on the DANA tragedy

Before I begin, I would like to send my condolences and support to all the families affected by the DANA catastrophe. To all the victims, including friends, we have suffered and we are devastated. I offer all my support and encouragement.

Importance of the three points

It's a special match, a different one. We haven't competed for a long time. What has happened in the region is extremely serious. Valencianistas, people from the club, as well as the rest of the population, have been affected. Let's create the atmosphere that represents the pain we have felt, and try to bring to the game the emotion that the game is going to have. Let those affected feel that we are with them. We have to contribute with what we can do, which is to win and bring them joy. The most important thing is to convey the pain of the tragedy.

Rafa Mir

He is in the process of recovering. He feels good, he is in a good dynamic. This coming week he will come into the group. This is the process, going gradually, because he has not participated for a long time. When you come back from an injury it is important to have a comeback date. It depends on his feelings and his development.

Separating the emotional side from the task at hand

We have to manage our emotions. Emotion will sweep in, and there will be things that will create emotions. When the match starts, we will transfer that to the pitch.

Physically we have been fine-tuning things to adjust, and it should not affect us. We have brought back players. We have worked on concepts. I do not want it to be an excuse.

What has been worked on

On those details, trying to grow. There are things that we are doing well, and we have tried to strengthen what we do well. The result determines everything. We've been trying to improve what we don't do so well. We have to be compact and give off a good feeling.

I'm convinced by the three centrebacks. It is another option. We haven't played with it at home yet but it is an option.

His experience of the tragedy

It was unexpected; nobody thought that this could lead to the drama that has happened afterwards. Nobody foresaw a situation like this. We've been trying to help in whatever way we can. Sometimes it is a friend who needs something, for you to take it to him. I went to Mestalla to see how the food bank was organised. There have been people working 14 hours a day, from the club, and we have players who have lost their homes and relatives. Our contribution is to try to help and to be thankful for contributions.

Also, young people have stepped up. Floods of people have come along to help, to bring a smile to the region.

These have been days of great sadness. The material can be fixed, but when there are human lives lost it is sad.

Gayà

He is doing better. His increased participation will come when he gets better. This time off has given him time to strengthen his condition. He is doing great.

Warren Madrigal
He is a young player, a player for the future. He is hungry. His development is going well. Tomorrow he will be on the squad list.

Real Betis

I am concerned that we create the necessary atmosphere. This is a long process. I am concerned that we managed to transmit it. We have seen it at other grounds. There has been a way of thanking those clubs that have made these tributes. Then a football match starts, and you have to bring that emotion to the energy that you are going to need. Besides, Betis are a great team. We feel a great responsibility. We have to live with that emotion and dedicate the victory to those who are suffering.

A meeting in Singapore

It was planned. The situation has been discussed a little, in terms of the winter transfer market. I have told the club what I think we have to do. If we can take advantage of this window, with the injuries that we have, the feeling I have is that we are going to try to improve this situation. The feeling I have is that they are going to try to help.

Javi Guerra

When you have positive momentum, this helps you. The fact that he scored on international duty is good. I always expect the best of him.

Diakhaby

Seeing him on the pitch is already positive. He has been working silently for 8 months to come back. The feeling is quite good. His evolution is very positive. It is a great joy.

Rubén Iranzo

We are talking about a kid with a fantastic mentality. Many times we don't take into account emotions and stress. He is working with the reserve team with a view to moving up to the first team in the future, and when Thierry gets injured, he went through the DANA tragedy. When he had the opportunity, in training, he got injured due to stress. He has lost his home, and it has affected him. I feel sorry for him. Emotions and stress lead to these injuries.