Bordalás: "We have a historic opportunity to play the final and we are going for it"

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás, has spoken in a press conference ahead of tomorrow's first leg Copa semi-final against Athletic Club. 

What is the condition of Hugo Guillamón and Uros Racic?

Hugo had to undergo surgery and we will not know if he will be available until tomorrow. We believe he will be, because he is very excited and motivated to help his team. Racic had some problems at the start of the session and today he trained separately as a precaution.

Can you understand the discomfort in Bilbao due to the difference in rest time between the two teams, ahead of the second leg?

I can't comment on how another team might feel. This has also happened to us throughout the season. When it happens to you, you are not happy. I understand how they might be angry.

Is being in the semifinals one of the most special moments of your career?

It is special for everyone. I have had some beautiful moments, and they are the ones that stay with you. These are the unforgettable moments. We have the opportunity to play in a final and we are going to try with all our might. We are in the semifinals and we are going to fight to get into the final.

Are you afraid that a defeat could cause a crisis, after going many games without winning?

We cannot be thinking about what would happen. Our minds are on the first game of the tie and we go there with all the desire in the world and a winning mentality.

Are Diakhaby and Alderete 100% fit?

Yes, they are at 100%. We can count on them. It is good news to have players available for such important matches.

Marcelino has said that Valencia CF are the opponents he least wanted, on an emotional level. Do you think that emotional factor will affect the game?

I don't know Marcelino's feelings. I can understand it, because he had a successful time at Valencia CF. I had no preference for opponents. Athletic Club are an historic team, and we face them with the utmost interest. Any opposition would have been good for us emotionally, because they represent the possibility of reaching a final for our fans to enjoy again.

Do you consider that Athletic Club still have a direct style? Are they the least opportune opponents for Guillamón after surgery?

We are very prone to attributing stereotypes. Football is constantly changing. We have that idea of ​​Athletic Club playing like an English club, with a direct style from the 80s. Athletic Club have a lot of the identity of their coach, with some defined features of their identity. Every season is different. Today we know that in modern football there is a lot of dynamism, a high level of intensity and no opposition are good for Hugo's problem. If he plays, he will use protection so he doesn’t have any trouble.

Giorgi had a good game, Cillessen is close to recovering and Jaume has played in the cup. Do you know who is going to play tomorrow against Athletic Club?

I can’t tell you. I have never done so. It will be the player who knows if he is going to play. Cillessen is already training. He is lacking a little time, but he is fine. All three are fine and tomorrow we will decide who will play in goal.

What do you think of the new format of the semifinals? Do you like it? Do you approach the game differently?

We accept it. We know that the rules are changing and we accept it. We don't give it much importance. We know that we have to get a good result. Sometimes you make the mistake of thinking that you have an advantage by playing the second leg at home, and you don't give 100% because there is a second chance. We have to go there with a winning mentality and without thinking about the second leg. The first leg is the most important game and we are going to face it as such.

You are two teams that base your performance on the boost given by the fans. Is getting out of San Mamés alive key?

It is always important. We have a lot of confidence in our fans. It gives us a boost. Tomorrow we won't have them there in masse, but it shouldn't be a problem. We are prepared on a mental and motivational level. We respect Athletic Club, who have knocked out Barça and Real Madrid already, but we are a great team when we do things well.

Is Thierry and Foulquier on the right wing a combination that hasn’t clicked?

That is a personal opinion. Thierry has been sidelined for a long time, and little by little he is reaching his best form. Those two are another option, depending on the needs of the team.

Cömert has looked somewhat nervous. What role do you think he will have in the team?

Whenever a player arrives from another league -one which perhaps does not meet the demands of LaLiga- the adaptation period is greater. Ilaix and Bryan had already played in LaLiga, and it is a handicap for Cömert not to have played in Spain before, but we are confident because he is very professional and has played two demanding games in a very short period of time. We trust that he will reach his best level and will adapt.

What is the mood in the dressing room ahead of the game?

The players are strong. The other day after the draw, we were a bit disappointed because we had a great second half, but afterwards I encouraged them to change any negative thoughts and think about Thursday. We have an historic opportunity and we are going for it. I think they are really well.

Will there be a good atmosphere with Marcelino, despite the fact that he has said that Valencia CF start out with an advantage?

There is always a good atmosphere with my colleagues. I have the utmost respect for all the coaches and for Marcelino as well. Each coach defends his own interests, but I’m sure that there will be a good atmosphere.

Who is the favourite in the tie?

We will leave that for you to decide. I have my own idea, but I will keep it to myself.

Are you clear about what you are going to do with the goalkeeping situation? Can you give an assessment of Maxi Gómez?

I have decided who will be in goal. All three goalkeepers are eager to help and to play. Maxi has helped us a lot. It’s a pity that he could not score at the weekend. The more players we have, with the objective of being supportive of the team, the better. I’m sure that he will help us from here to the end of the season.