Bordalás: "We must get back to being a reliable, ambitious and competitive team"

Valencia CF coach José Bordalás spoke at a press conference prior to this Saturday's match against Villarreal CF, and expressed his confidence that the team will get back to their best and reverse the dynamic of recent results.

A few days have passed since the defeat in Seville. What have you been able to work on in this time?
It has been a very short time in which to prepare for tomorrow's game, but we have analysed and talked on a collective and individual level with many of the players to correct things that have led us to be in the situation we are in. Above all, we have try to correct the dynamics of goals that we have conceded. I agree with what Gayà said, I have expressed it to the squad, they have reflected that, and they are aware that we have to improve and be more reliable defensively.

To what extent do you think the injuries to players have affected the team's results?
We have been unlucky with numerous injuries to players who were doing very well; players who are important. Obviously we have suffered from that. If we look at the results, obviously it has affected us. This is not the time to lament things, but rather to look at the present. The present is tomorrow's game, which is very important.

What role do you think the support of the fans will play in the game against Villarreal CF?
I have no doubt that the fans are exemplary. It is what they have always shown me, that they will get behind the team and that they will encourage us. What the fans want is that the players give everything on the pitch, and I remind the players that every day. It is what they demand. The result can be whatever it is, but we are obliged to give absolutely everything and go for the three points.

How is Gabriel Paulista? Is he going to be able to participate?
We all know Gabriel Paulista well; he is an example in every way, a great professional, and he always wants to help the team. He gave us a big scare, but he has recovered. We have taken the necessary precautions, he is doing well and it is almost impossible to think that he would not be available against Villarreal CF. We are confident that he will be ready. He is an example to follow, a leader and it is good news for everyone to have him with us.

To what extent should the team improve its performance?
This is not the Valencia CF we want to see. I am the first to take responsibility, as coach. My teams have to be much more reliable. I am not happy because we have been vulnerable, we have conceded goals very easily and that is one of the reasons that we have lost games. We must correct this immediately and get back to being a reliable, ambitious and competitive team.

Do you have a good enough team to fight for Europe?
If we look at only the last seven results, then we cannot aspire to be in Europe, obviously. The numbers are not good, but this is a very long season. Our obligation is to give everything and my obligation is to get the most out of the team. This is what we are going to try to do to change the dynamics and perform at our best level.

Do you feel more secure about the confidence that the club have in you than at other times?
I have never thought about it. I am a professional and, honestly, I never think about that possibility. I am always very confident about my work and about what I do. My obligation is to give one hundred percent, and that is what I will always do. It has never worried me.