Baraja: "We want to dedicate the victory to the victims and those affected by the 'DANA'"
The coach previews the game against Real Betis
Have you ever played a game with more people outside than inside? Do you know when the team will return to training?
No. I had never experienced this before, but it is not what we are used to. Mestalla always has a very good attendance. The few fans who were here encouraged the team. We send thanks to the fans for their behaviour with the team all season. LaLiga ends today, the holidays begin, the boys leave and those who have a commitment. We do not have an exact date, we will notify the staff shortly.
You’ve been here a year. You’ve experienced what this club is like and how it works. Do you understand the fans and why they protest like this?
I respect any decision and the fans. I'm not going to assess if it's good or bad. The fans are great and I only have words of praise. I respect whatever decision they make.
You are going on vacation, but the meeting is pending. Have you had contact with the president to talk about next week? If you were told when you arrived that you were going to finish the season this way, what would you have thought?
It is not what you want or what you expect to finish the season like the one we have finished. But I make a positive balance. The team have performed well and have been growing during the season, despite the difficulties due to absences and injuries that have reduced our most competitive eleven. Despite this, the team have reached a final, many young players have debuted, which is not easy and must be valued. The team have had a good response despite the difficulties and I am happy with their work and behaviour. We would have liked to be higher up the table, to be in Europe, but at the end of the season each team is where they deserve to be. Sometimes things go in your favour, other times they don’t, it's a long-distance race and we are where we should be. Let's see in the next few hours. Today was matchday and we haven't spoken. I imagine that, starting tomorrow, the season will be analysed. I know the squad well, we believe that there are players who should continue, others who should leave or go on loan. We have to prepare for a season that is going to be very tough.
Has anything been said in the dressing room about the atmosphere that was experienced today?
We have commented little or nothing about it, because it was time to stay focused on the game. I have insisted during the week that it was very important to finish with a victory. The team, despite the fact that there was almost nothing at stake, were the better side. Without it being a brilliant game, the team performed well and have taken another three points. After the game we said goodbye, and with those who are leaving we thanked them for their commitment and wished them the best.
Would you bet a lot that in August you will hold your first press conference as coach of Valencia CF?
I don't know if it will be in August or July. In principle there is no reason to think otherwise.
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