Bordalás: "The team are going to give everything against Real Madrid"

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás addressed the media in his pre-match press conference ahead of the team's Matchday 5 meeting with Real Madrid.

Valencia have done so many things well at the start of the season. What must you do to beat Real Madrid?

We are focused on having a good game, on imposing our game and our virtues. We have confidence, and maximum respect for Real Madrid. The team are doing well, they are prepared and we are confident. The team's game will flow, I have no doubt. The players look well and animated, aware of the difficulty, but ready to have a good game.

The three points against Real Madrid could make a statement in the table

The team are confident. We know the difficulties that the game entails, and even more so against a team like Real Madrid, who challenge for trophies. The team have prepared for the game and you have to trust the players, because I have no doubt that we are going to have a good game.

Do you detect excitement amongst the fans? This type of start usually ends with the team in the Champions League.

We are preparing for the game and we are only thinking about the immediate future. Due to the level of the opposition in front of us, it makes it more special. We still have our feet on the ground. This has only just started. We are very hopeful and confident. I am convinced that the team are going to give their all against Real Madrid.

Is this the most important game of your career, because of the context?

No. We cannot call it the most important game, because this has only just begun. There are three points at stake, whatever the opponents you have in front of you. On Matchday 5, you cannot talk about it being the most important game. We continue working to grow, to improve and to have a good game against great opposition.

Are you afraid of Real Madrid?

We are not afraid of anyone. I have never been afraid of anything or anyone. Obviously, we have respect for them, like we have respect for all of our opponents. All of our opponents deserve the utmost respect, because they work and compete to win. We cannot be afraid. We are doing what we like the most; we work in an incredible profession, with an incredible club and fans. Tomorrow we will have the heart of Valencia CF -the fans- on our side, and we will be protected.

What do you think about the excitement that has set in in Valencia after the start to the season?

We must keep our feet on the ground, this has just begun. We are happy about our start, but this is a long-distance race. Throughout a season there are good and bad moments. We are prepared for it. I understand that the fans are excited. The only message I give is to ask for their support for tomorrow, which I am convinced they will give us. Mestalla is the heart of this team and this club.

Do you think it would be more convenient to play Foulquier behind Gayá?

Gayà is a magnificent player and he is very important. He is a player who in his natural position gives us a lot. The other day we were forced to make a change because of Cheryshev's injury, and that is a possibility. A good player can play in various positions. We have alternatives. We will decide tomorrow before the game. I've been talking to the players and they want to help the team and contribute, they don't care if they have to play in a different position and they adapt to the team's needs. That is the most important thing: That we are all working for Valencia CF and to have a great match.

What do you see differently about Ancelotti's Real Madrid?

I am not the one who has to talk about the differences. Ancelotti is a great coach. He is a man who knows our league and it is nothing new for him. They have had a very good start to the season, and they just beat Inter. Real Madrid are always opponents who deserve the utmost respect and we are going to try to have a great game to overcome them and achieve victory. Real Madrid are not easy to overcome.

Guillamón has played in midfield under you. Do you think he is prepared to occupy that position against Real Madrid?

It is a new position for him this season, although he already had minutes there in previous seasons. He plays there because of the team's needs and because I think he has the qualities to be a magnificent player in that position. Tomorrow we will see if he is ready or not. He is young, but he is a great player, a great person, very receptive, and wants to improve and learn. When somebody has a good predisposition to improve and learn, I am convinced that he will be a great player. He's helping us a lot and I'm sure he'll have a great game. I do not have any doubts.

Do you see Helder Costa as being at the same physical and tactical level as the rest of his teammates?

He is a player who arrived at the last minute, before the transfer window closed, and he has had less time than his teammates. He is working fine. He is a player who has been working well and if he reaches the level of the demands of our league, and of what we want in the team, he is sure to help us.