Bordalás: “We have to keep growing with hard work and humility”

José Bordalás returned to the dugout for the derby against Levante UD, having been isolated due to Covid-19. The coach talked about the turnaround victory in his post-match press conference.

Tomorrow, when you analyse the game, will you congratulate the team or recriminate the bad start -in which Levante UD scored two goals?

Tomorrow we are going to rest for a few days. I have congratulated them on the victory, and we have not had time to analyse anything. It was a spectacular match, with many goals and with a Levante UD that went out for the victory. We have talked about the importance of not allowing counterattacks, and that alertness was essential. Incomprehensibly, we switched off and they got through, and until then the team had not been giving a good performance. We grew into the game, and after Guedes' goal we were determined for the victory. We achieved it deservedly. We gave them too many chances, then the team suffered from being excessively ambitious and it could have cost us dearly, but I want to congratulate the players. It was a difficult game, and we achieved a very important victory.

What needs to be improved when analysing this comeback?

The team came out more decisively after the break, and it is something that we need to improve. We have spent all season having to reverse adverse results, and that is what we have to correct, because we will not always be able to do it. Today we achieved it and did well, but we cannot play that lottery; we have to show more strength.

How are you feeling after having had Covid?

I’ve had some difficult, tough days. It hadn't happened to me until now, that I had to be isolated at home, and I felt a great helplessness about not being able to help the team and not being around. We have been in contact with the coaching staff and they have done really well. We’ve had some tough days, but they have allow me to see the team from the outside a little. It was very strange to see the team on television, as it had never happened to me before.

With this victory, is it time to set the goal of qualifying for Europe?

We have to take things step by step, and we don’t have to set ourselves a long-term goal just because we are on a good run of results. Today we won the game, but we are seeing how difficult LaLiga is. It is a very tough league and each game is very tough, regardless of the opposition. We are very happy about the victory and three very important points.

How are the injured players progressing?

They are still in the rehabilitation period. We are confident that we will have them back after the break. They are very important players for the team and today we saw that. We had few alternatives and we cannot afford to lose players.

What happened with Racic at the end of the game? What do you think about the scuffle?

I totally disapprove of it. We have to be respectful of all of our opponents. Levante UD have a lot on the line, and it is not the time to make any gesture that could offend anyone. It cannot happen again on my team; Valencia CF have to be a noble team that respect everyone.

Is it time to openly acknowledge that the team are competing to qualify for Europe?

I have given the example of two very big teams that have experienced what can happen to us. We cannot have excessive euphoria and we have to continue working and growing with humility. This is a long-distance race. I have never set long-term goals for myself, and we have to focus on the game against RCD Espanyol. That has been my stance forever and I am not going to change it after one game. I have not encountered a team that have achieved big things without work, commitment and effort.

What do you think of the progress made by Diakhaby?

He is playing really well. He is very receptive, and when he wasn’t playing I was still happy with him. I knew that when we needed him he would be there. He may make a small mistake, but he is very reliable, very secure, wins duels and is attentive… I want to congratulate him, as he is one of the players in whom I have seen the biggest improvement. If he continues like this, I am sure that he will continue to be an important player for us. We must congratulate him, as he waited for his opportunity and is taking advantage of it in an outstanding way.

How do you rate Rubén Iranzo’s debut?

We’re happy with him. He came on in a difficult moment and on the right, which is not his natural position. He performed well. I want to congratulate him on his debut. I have congratulated him and I also want to congratulate the rest of the players.