Baraja: "tHE TEAM kePT going AND COMPETED UNTIL THE END"
The Valencia CF coach talks after the 2-2 result against Deportivo Alavés
Albert Celades was understandably pleased with the second half showing from his side against LOSC Lille, and he expressed his thoughts in his post-match press conference following the 4-1 win at Mestalla.
The comeback
"The situation going into halftime wasn't new for us, as in previous games we had been able to come from behind. The players were spectacular in the second half. The mentality is all down to the players. In adverse situations they show the capability that we all know they have, and the right mentality to get out of difficult situations. It's not easy to do that. Turning around a scoreline isn't a simple thing to do, and we've done it in LaLiga and today. We also have to look at the teams we have in front of us. We were up against a good side today, who gave us a lot of difficulty, but the team had the ambition and personality to go for the game. We should value highly what the players did tonight."
The fans
"I want to thank the fans for the support we received. They have been patient in difficult situations, when we've been behind on the scoresheet, or been through some problems, and they've pushed us forward. They helped us a lot in the second half, when we needed their support, and it just confirms that when we are together everything is much simpler. I want to thank the fans for their support for the team and the players -despite some difficulties. I hope that this is a starting point for us. We are all aware of the importance of Mestalla."
Coping with absentees
"Everybody is ready to play when they have the chance. There is a great predisposition from the players, and that's what we need. A clear example of this is Kevin Gameiro, who is a player of great prestige, who we brought on at halftime and showed his will to help us out. That shows the quality of these players. From the day that we arrived, we've found that the group are fantastic on a human level. Besides their quality on the pitch, they are very good people."
The pressure from Mestalla
"I love that Mestalla has that pressure cooker atmosphere; it's what we want in every game. These players deserve the support of the fans, because of their effort and how they overcome problems."
Cheryshev's injury
"Cheryshev felt something in his thigh and we are waiting on the results of his tests tomorrow. We are a little low on bodies, because we have a lot of players out. Despite these difficulties, we are all united and focused on the next game."
Two wins in a row
"We have won again, like we did in Barcelona. I hope that we can continue picking up wins, but it's very difficult to win in both LaLiga and in the Champions League. Every game is tough and we have to give merit to every win."
The knockout stages of the Champions League
"We haven't spoken about the knockout stages yet; it's too early. We need to go step-by-step. I don't want to dampen anyone's spirits, but we need to rest well and prepare for the game against Granada from tomorrow, so that we can go into the international break in the best form possible. It's a very tough group and the knockout stages are still far off."
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