Almeida: “As a team, we go game-by-game”

André Almeida spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon to look at his first half-season with Valencia CF.

How has Gayà been since his return? What do you think of him not being at the World Cup?

He trained for the first time today and did a little work. I don't know how he is feeling, but he seems ok. It is a pity that he is not with his national team. He is an excellent person and an excellent captain.

How did your arrival at Valencia CF come about? 

Valencia CF spoke with my father and with me a week before I came here. It was pretty fast. I knew Valencia CF, but I didn't know that the club was so big. I loved seeing Mestalla with the fans there. I like everything about Valencia: The club, the city and the people. Everyone has received me very well.

When you arrived you said that you had been told about the fans at Mestalla. What do you think about them?

When they tell you about it, it’s never the same as experiencing it. It’s different. I have been told that there was even more emotion there years ago, and I hope that in the future it will be like that too.

You have come to Valencia CF with the aim of continuing to grow. What did you expect upon your arrival?

It is a step forward to grow. I'm very happy to be here and I'm going to keep working hard to stay here.

You've had a starting role, you've scored, you've given assists... Did you expect this when you arrived?

We started the season very well. I didn't expect it to go so well because I arrived a little late and I had to earn the trust of the team and the coach. Things started well and I am very happy.

What personal goal have you set for yourself in the second half of the season?

I want to continue working hard to continue being a starter. If you don't work hard, that can change. My goal is to help the team win every game and continue to evolve as a footballer. My goal is to improve every day, to be a little better and to stay calm.

Do you consider yourself the breakout player of the team?

We have a very young team, with players who are coming through. It is normal that we don’t have the big names of other players with more experience. I knew my quality and that I had done well in Portugal, and I was confident that I would do well.

How are you experiencing this strange preseason in the middle of the season?

My teammates had holidays, whilst I went away with the national team. Now we are having a preseason and it has been very hard in order for us to stay fit. I think it's positive. The season is going to be longer and we will see how we do at the end of the season.

Do you think a ‘Number 6’ is needed for the team?

That is not up to me. I have full confidence in Hugo and Nico. They are very good players.

After your good start at Valencia CF and a long time in the Under-21s, has anybody from the Portuguese team called you?

Yes, my Under-21 teammates are attentive and tell me that I am playing well. The coach knows it too. Reaching the senior side is a target and I have to keep providing more goals and more assists, so that I get the call-up.

What is your opinion of Gattuso and his methods?

The coach welcomed me from the beginning and he has given me a lot of confidence. I always try to do my best for him and for the team. He is a very good person for the group and he is always on our side.

Who do you look up to as a footballer?

My idols are Iniesta, Zidane and De Bruyne. They are my favourites. I know Aimar because he played for Benfica. He is a star as well.

Inside the dressing room, what objectives are being set?

We go game by game. We want to win every game. I think we can always win and we will all try to do that.

What moment at Mestalla has been your favourite?

There is more than one. The free kick I scored was very good for me. That made me very happy. I practiced a lot to score it and achieving it in a match was very good. I felt proud.