Bordalás: “We need to be at our best and more united than ever to beat Elche CF”

José Bordalás spoke on Friday about the game against Elche CF at Mestalla, as well as addressing questions on other issues posed by journalists in his pre-match press conference.

How are Valencia CF approaching the transfer market? Have you talked to Peter Lim yet?

These are internal matters that we are dealing with and talking about. I have not spoken with Peter Lim in a personal capacity yet, but I have spoken with the Sporting Director, Corona, and the President, Anil Murthy, to look at the possible needs for the team in the winter transfer market.

Do you know the reason why there is going to be a protest?

I am aware that there is a protest. I know the reasons and I respect the fans and their right to protest, but we are focused on tomorrow's game against Elche CF, which is an important game.

Could this be the ideal match for Guedes to be at his best?

Players go through different spells. Guedes is a magnificent player, and for the match against RC Celta I considered that Maxi Gómez had to participate. These are exclusively tactical decisions. Both Maxi and Gonçalo are magnificent players.

You have shown dissatisfaction with playing on December 31st. It seems that LaLiga is not going to change the calendar for Valencia CF. What do you think of this decision?

One thing is what one thinks as a coach and as a club. We were not satisfied with that calendar because we felt it hindered us. I passed on that message, and President Anil Murthy took the steps to try to change it, but it has not been possible for different reasons. We can’t do anything about it. We have to face the calendar as it is. We are not happy that we couldn’t change it.

What message would you send to the fans?

The message is clear. We must be united, I am convinced that the fans will get behind the team, regardless of whether they are happy or not for different reasons. The Valencia CF fans are the heart of this club and I am convinced that they will be behind the team. The team will compete to win the game, I have no doubt that the fans will be cheering them on.

The team have improved in terms of defensive solidity. At what point are you in the process?

We have a long way to go. We know that the competition does not let up, and you have to be prepared for what is immediately ahead. The past isn’t enough. We have to be satisfied if we compare it with other games where we did not have this solidity, but we have to continue to improve both defensively and offensively. We have to try to be more aggressive in attack, more intuitive, more consistent, make the most of the chances that are presented to us and not let the opposition off. On a defensive level, we cannot concede in a very simple way, as for example we did in the last game against Celta Vigo. Not to single out any player, but it is something that has already happened to us, against Atletico Madrid, as we have been losing balls in high-risk areas. Opposing sides seize any opportunity that they are given.

How is Thierry Correia recovering?

He is very well. He has re-joined the team, but he needs a little more time. We are not going to make a mistake by rushing his return and taking a step backwards, with everything we have done up until now. He is a strong player with very good genetics, and I am sure that he will soon be helping the team out on the pitch.

How do you see tomorrow's game?

Tomorrow we have a very important game, as we are not at our best level, we will have difficulties and problems. I have made this known to the squad throughout the week. We are facing physically strong opponents, who have had good results and are in good spirits. We know their virtues; we know the work done by their new coach and they will come here with extra motivation. We need each of the players to be at their best, and to be more united than ever. If we get the three points, we will take one more step to moving into a higher part of the table and focusing on other goals. It is going to be a difficult match. It is very hard to win matches, and tomorrow’s game is a very important one.

How are you going to handle giving vacations to players when you have so little time?

They will be able to have a break because we have to give them that rest that they deserve. There will be a minimal number of days that they will have off, as we have no other option. We will have less rest than other teams, but this is not the time to lament that or think about what is going to come. We are only thinking about tomorrow's game, not about the holidays. We are professionals and we have a great responsibility in these matches before the break.

President Anil Murthy has spoken with Peter Lim. Has he conveyed to you that the club have been given the OK to work in the transfer market?

In the last meeting I had with Peter Lim, we talked about this possibility when the winter transfer market opens. It was not necessary for Anil to convey to me what he spoke about with Peter Lim. He has relayed other matters to me. The President and I speak every day, in harmony, and it is a topic that is open. As a team and as professionals, this matter is there, because big clubs like Valencia CF have to have alternatives to try to strengthen the team in the transfer market.

How might the goal that he scored in Vigo affect Maxi Gómez in terms of confidence?

Since my arrival I have insisted to him that he has to get into spaces where he can finish, where he does well, because there have been times when the ball reached the area and he was far away from the action. We are working on that. He is an intelligent player and understands that, if he continues like this, his scoring stats will increase and he will help the team much more. That does not mean that he is going to be static in the area, because he has great commitment and is going to help the team.

There is a lot of debate about style. Valencia CF have proven to be very versatile in changing formation and the players. How do you define yourself as a coach?

I don't usually define myself as a coach, I've been a professional for a few years and I'm only interested in winning and getting points. You have to play well to win, if not then it is impossible. There is always a debate around it. When a team win, we always say that they play well. Real Madrid are the league leaders, and everyone has praise for them. We all think they are playing great. In the end, that's what it is all about: Winning and being among the best. My concern is that the team play at our best, achieve victory and give the fans a good afternoon of football.

How is Gabriel Paulista coming along?

He is a very important loss. It is a muscle injury that is unfortunately dragging on. Right now he is in a period of re-adaptation and recovery, and the feeling is good. We hope to have him back as soon as possible, as he is a very important player. We have suffered from suspensions and injuries that could weigh us down.

Have you started talking about names for the winter transfer market, with the president's meeting with Peter Lim?

I don't know, but it is a topic that we are talking about every day. My obligation as a coach is to have the squad analysed from top to bottom, seeing its virtues and needs and transferring them to the sports management and the president. I know that we are working to see the possibilities we have in this window.

Is the roadmap for a meeting with Peter Lim on track?

I cannot tell you the exact date, but I am convinced that we will meet soon.

Have injuries like that of Gabriel Paulista changed your initial approach to the transfer market?

My perception of Paulista's injury has not changed, nor that of the club. You have a squad and the analysis is much more extensive, unless you lose a player for the remainder of the season.