Bordalás: “The demand is high but we are ready for Sevilla FC”

José Bordalás spoke on Tuesday to preview the game against Sevilla FC (Wednesday, 7:30pm local time), ahead of the trip to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.

You will have to use players that you have used less often this week. Do you think there is much difference between 'Unit A' and 'Unit B'?

We have some injuries, but it is not time to talk about them but rather about those who are available. We are facing a difficult, important game, and we do it with the utmost interest, as usual. There has been little time to prepare, but that’s the calendar. We are already immersed in the competition, and how it goes will tell us if there is a difference or not. We trust that there will not be a difference, and we trust that the players who are available are of a very high level.

How are the injured players?

They are muscular problems, but we’ll see how they develop. We know that when there is a muscle injury there is a minimum period that a player will be out for, but we are working to have them back as soon as possible. Gayà, Soler and Correia are suffering from muscle problems, and we will try to get them back as soon as possible. Cheryshev has a ligament problem; he is working well. We do not have dates for their return, but we trust in everyone's good work to get them back in record time if possible.

How are the team physically after the game against Real Madrid?

The matches are in very quick succession, but the players are fine. They look well, and in terms of morale are practically at 100%. I always say that, for high-level players, there is no time to lick your wounds. You have to focus on the imminent matters, and that is tomorrow's game against Sevilla FC. We are physically and mentally focused. The players have to be prepared to play several games in a short time, and this is a state of mind. They are young and well-prepared players. I am convinced that we are going to perform at a great level.

A different challenge awaits the team in Seville due to injuries. Is it the most difficult challenge so far?

It is the most difficult because it is the most imminent and because we are facing a Sevilla who have been doing things very well, with great potential. They are strong physically, skilled on a technical level… They are playing the Champions League, they have fought in recent years to be in the top positions, they are a big team and it is a difficult challenge, but we are optimistic about the team's performance. There has been little time, but we are prepared.

Were you expecting that after Matchday 5 of LaLiga you would have three important players injured?

Obviously, you never think that you might have several players injured almost consecutively. It is part of the demands of top competition. In the case of Carlos Soler, it is true that he has played many games in a row, made long trips and been involved in different competitions, and that obviously is a determining factor and carries an added risk. I am a coach who never regrets things. I always try to think positive, and we will try to get them back as soon as possible. Our work has been good from day one. The demand is high, so we must be at a high level and prepared. It is a setback, but we are not thinking about those who are not here; instead, we are thinking about those who are available, and them giving a great response. They are professionals, young, and they have to be prepared to represent Valencia CF 100%. I have no doubt that this will be the case, with an ambitious mindset. We have a responsibility.

After a defeat like the one on Sunday, do you think it is better to have a match so soon to have a chance for revenge?

You never know, I've always been one of those who thinks that after a bad result you want to play the next game right away. We have a chance to get a better result and score points, and that's the team's goal. The players are prepared and motivated. It will be a difficult game, but we have another chance. We face each game as an opportunity, not as a problem. We are all professionals and we want to see the best version of the team.

Is Lato ready to occupy the left side against Sevilla FC?

In general, except for the final part because it was his first game, he was at a great level against Real Madrid. We must not doubt the level that he can give us tomorrow in Seville. We will look for the best solution to see who will play alongside him tomorrow in Seville.

It is surprising that there have been so many injuries in a row in such a short time?

Things are very demanding. I have been saying for several seasons that football has undergone a mutation. Those of you who have more experience have always said that teams reach their best form after a certain period. Now the competition does not let up, and we’ve seen a very high level of competitiveness and intensity at this start of the season. The demand is high and the risk is greater. I always tell the players that they have to be prepared physically and mentally, and that is what will make them a team of a higher or lower level. It is unfortunate, and the players don’t want to get injured. They want to help, sometimes when they’re not feeling good, as was the case with Carlos Soler. Unfortunately, he was injured, and that also happened with Gayà. The players want to help.

How is Marcos André developing? Could he play on the left wing?

It is a possibility. He has arrived this season, and we’ve gone for Maxi and Guedes, who have been performing at a great level to date. I talk to him a lot, he's excited, he’s working to adapt, getting to know the team and he has to be very prepared. We trust that he can help us and is prepared for any option. He is a possibility to help us on the left wing, without a doubt.

The other day the team were not at their best in the final minutes. What have you corrected since then?

We always talk about what we should improve. Now is not the time to talk about the past but about the present, which is imminent. We all know where we went wrong, but it is history, the important thing is that it does not happen again. We have to be able to read and handle tomorrow's game, as we are going to have opponents with great potential in front of us. We know what we are going to encounter and I have no doubt that the team will have a great game.

How is Hugo Duro? Last week we saw him train with a bandage.

He is okay. He already participated in last week's sessions and the game, and the bandage gives him security. He is doing quite well. He put in a great effort and is available for tomorrow.

How do you assess the rivalry with Sevilla FC? Do you think both teams are in the same league?

We don’t know, this has only just begun and we are going to see as the competition goes on. Tomorrow is an important challenge and we are looking forward to it; tomorrow's game will show any difference. I always face matches thinking that there is no difference, so that the player takes to the field knowing the club he is at, believing in the possibilities of winning and the work we have done.

How is Piccini? Do you think he will be back soon?

We all know Piccini's history: He has had very bad luck with injuries. In preseason he was injured, he had some more problems and now he is in a rehabilitation period. We trust that if he can get over those injuries and he can reach the level to help us. He is committed. He has gone through an ordeal, which is the worst that can happen to him, but the club, the doctors and the coaching staff are helping him to recover and help the team.