Baraja: “Mestalla was tremendous”

Valencia CF coach Rubén Baraja returned to Mestalla with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on LaLiga Matchday 23. He commented on his first victory in charge in his post-match press conference.

Mestalla

I would like to thank Mestalla for what they transmitted to us. It has been very important to feel the warmth of our fans, in order to get the victory. Today was a tremendous feeling, coming home, seeing our fans and how they spurred us on in times of difficulty and supported us. We thank them because we work so that they go home happy, believe in this team and smile again -because we have been suffering for a long time.

A change of dynamic

When you want to change a dynamic you need a bit of luck, because in bad times the negative things that happen during the matches are compounded: Injuries, goals conceded from specific actions that make you lose points… as happened to us the other day in Getafe. For that change of dynamic you need a little luck. The move for the goal was good and we could have finished it off, even though they ended up putting it into their own net.

We worked to compete, to be close to winning and to be very strong during the 90 minutes. We had moments of difficulty, but the team were consistent in what we were looking for.

In the final stages, when the team needed Mestalla, Mestalla was there. I always expect the most from Mestalla and today I felt how the crowd helped us in the final minutes. We are going to need Mestalla in all the games we have left at home. Improving and getting out of this difficulty involves making ourselves strong at Mestalla, feeling comfortable and performing well.

His return to Mestalla

It was very emotional, but the tension of the match makes you very focused on every detail, because every detail is important in these matches. I had a feeling of coming home, to the place where I felt good and was happy. I hope we can achieve what we are all playing for here.

Keeping a clean sheet

When you win, and even more so after the situation we came here in with bad results, it means that you have done many things well and the team were able to interpret what the game required.

We were facing a magnificent team in every way, due to their quality, positioning, the time they have spent with the same coach… they play on instinct. We interpreted things very well so that they were not comfortable, and closed their paths forward when they had possession.

The team did a sensational job. The clean sheet was earned due to the work that we did, but there are also aspects of the game that we have to improve. We need to be calmer with the ball. We made some very dangerous counterattacks and we have also improved on set pieces.

When you win, it's because you do things well, and we also had a bit of luck that allowed us to take the 3 points.

The affect the win has

The win changes the dynamic and means even more coming against a magnificent team that are in the Champions League. We did it at home after some complicated situations. The team know the situation we are in and how we have to compete -and that is the attitude they showed.

We tried to give them a clear and concise message of what we want and need to improve. They have been very willing and had a good attitude to apply the things that we want to be competitive.

We need to repeat what we experienced today many more times. That will make us perform at our best.

When you change the dynamic, the players loosen up, they feel better and they will grow.

The playing style

We played the game we needed to in order to score points and win. We had 3 or 4 clear chances, hit the post and had a penalty appeal. Real Sociedad had some chances, but not clear ones. We focus on working to get points. We didn’t play like a small team. We played the way we had to play to be competitive against a great team like Real Sociedad.

Improvements

What I liked the most  was the consistency in the effort that the team showed, in terms of intensity and knowing how to interpret the game. Real Sociedad draw you in and then play on the outside or inside, and we were well positioned, closed our lines and went forward with a lot of danger on the counter.

Set pieces are also fundamental because we were more focused, paid more attention and were more aware of our marking. We changed the structure and that helped us. We still have to improve many things, grow mentally and be more competitive and we are going to work on that.

Injuries

Paulista felt a twinge, a strange feeling and we didn't want to take risks. I liked the predisposition of the people who came on, like Cömert, contributed with a very good attitude; Castillejo has had a stomach problem this week and made a great effort to be here. We need the best from Castillejo because he can give us football and quality.

Thierry came back from injury. André Almeida had trouble. Lato had to go off due to a knock and Jesús came on and did well. I’m happy because everyone came on and performed how the game needed, with rhythm and intensity.

Memories

It's a beautiful day, but what I'm looking at is what's going to happen tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday, etc, and I'm already thinking about the next game. I really enjoyed seeing people celebrating the victory.

I was moved by how all the people on the bench celebrated after the final whistle and I really enjoyed how the fans helped us.

But we are on a very difficult path and we will continue to need Mestalla. Today we enjoyed the victory, but tomorrow we will continue working and keep taking points. That is the goal.

His substitutions

I have to try to field the most competitive team. Everyone is in my plans. Today Thierry did a great job playing on the wing, providing energy on the flank so the opposition didn't find space. The important thing is that everyone contributes and is prepared to participate. What we want is to be sure that whoever plays is ready and is going to give us what the game needs. They will all be needed.