Gattuso: “Against CF La Nucía we will field a competitive team to win the game”

Gennaro Gattuso appeared at a press conference to preview Valencia CF’s game against CF La Nucía, in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.

What does the absence of Nico mean for the team?

Nico has to have surgery. He will be operated on this Tuesday or Wednesday in Barcelona. He is sure to be out for three months with the injury that he has. We have to look for a profile like that of Nico, because in this position we only have Guillamón.

Nández's agent has said that Corona and you had contacted him. Is this true?

We have been speaking with his agent for months, but not only with his agent, with many representatives. We have to look at the numbers but it’s a problem for the club, not for me. We have to find a solution.

Are the rest of the players available for tomorrow?

Dimitri Foulquier did not train today. He has a problem with his throat and a fever. Thierry has a problem with his right leg and has not trained. The rest are available.

Do you consider the Copa del Rey to be as important as LaLiga or do you prioritise one over the other?

It’s an official match, and the history of the club is on the line, as we have a lot of history in the Copa del Rey. It gives you the possibility of getting into Europe. We have to respect the opposition, and we are going to field a competitive team to try to win the game.

Does going into the market for a defensive midfielder to cover Nico's absence hinder reinforcements for other positions?

Now the priority is a pivot, because if Guillamón gets injured we won't have a pivot. The priority is a pivot.

Do you have a clear idea about who will be your cup goalkeeper?

I don't know if Iago or Mamardashvili are going to play. I have that doubt for tomorrow.

Are you considering the possibility of introducing youth team players?

Vázquez is going to be a starter and I think Mosquera could also be a starter.

What role can Javi Guerra play for you now?

He’s much improved. He is playing at a very high level. In these last few months I've liked what he’s done a lot. He has quality. He lacked aggressiveness and strong running and he looks very good now. He has to continue. I like him a lot.

Now that you are looking for a midfielder, would you like to sign someone who is more of a veteran?

I like it, but it depends on the players we have and the money we have. I would like to sign a pivot who has experience, who can help Hugo and the whole team, but I also have to listen to the club and how much money we have. This is why we talk a lot. We have to respect Financial Fair Play and I have to respect the club regarding the money we have. We have to find a player who can help.

Are you going to use a B team to prioritise LaLiga?

I am going to field players who have strength, who have a good mentality and who have energy. I think we have to put together a team that can push and we are going to look at players who are fit and who have recovered, because we played against Villarreal not long ago.

After the match against Villarreal CF, you said that he would speak to the president about Jesús Vázquez. Yesterday the president was at training; did you have the opportunity to speak with her?

After training I spoke with Layhoon. The club have decided that it is better for him to stay with us. With Lato, nothing has changed. He is a Valencia CF player, he has a contract until June 30th and that's it. The club haven't told me anything, Lato hasn't told me anything either, and he has a chance of starting tomorrow.

Against Elche you said that you were scared because everyone had Valencia CF as favourites. Do you have the same feeling now?

History says that you always have to win 3 or 4 nil, but that is not the reality. You have to play hard to win. We are under pressure, we have to win, everyone thinks we will win easily, but it will be a very, very difficult game.