Gattuso: “In the first half we played very well, but in the second we didn't play as a team"

Gennaro Gattuso gave a press conference following the draw between Valencia CF and Elche CF on LaLiga Matchday 9.

Do you have an explanation as to why Valencia CF have not been consistent?

The first half went very well. In the second half we misplaced a lot of passes. We made mistakes with everything. If we had scored three goals in 20 minutes in the first half, it would have been normal. In the second half, we misplaced a lot of passes. Many players didn't make runs to break through the defence. The problem was this.

You said that the game scared you. Were you referring to what we have seen today?

When you play a game you have to play well and do everything at 100%. The way we started, I really liked. In the second half, it was very bad. A team like us has a lot of offensive pressure, and when we lose the ball is very difficult for us.

Could it be a problem that the team got overconfident in the second half?

We made a lot of mistakes bringing the ball out, when we were building play. We lost a lot of balls. When you have to run to get back it's hard.

Is there positive news about Cavani?

He had a swollen ankle. It wasn't right. Tomorrow we will see what he has.

What did you think about the controversial move of the match: The disallowed goal for Elche.

The goal is a goal, but the referee blew the whistle before they scored. The referee made a mistake by not playing the advantage, but he whistled before the goal was scored.

What does this game mean physically and mentally? Are any players hurt ahead of Tuesday?

We have to keep going. We wanted to win, but we have to keep going, looking forward. I feel sorry for the fans because we had 43,000 of them at Mestalla… I'm very sorry, we have to keep going and prepare well for the next game. Gayà has no problem, he was just tired. Many players were tired today and that was a problem. We’ll take a look, as we did very well but were not fluid.

What did you think about Nico and Kluivert today?

Kluivert can do much better because he has a lot of quality. I think Nico played well and I liked his performance a lot. I have the second half in mind. In the first half we played very, very well. In the second we didn't play as a team, and we seemed like a team with difficulties.

You have asked for calm to reduce the euphoria. Do games like this reflect that the team have to improve?

When a team starts like we started today, what can you say? The normal thing is to start softly, with little desire, but we started incredibly. We were able to score two goals. In the second goal 14 players touched the ball. I think we have to improve, but I think the team started well, with a good mentality. We created chances. Afterwards, in the second half we failed on a technical, mentally and physical level.

What did you think about Cavani in the first half? What does it mean for him to have scored his first goals for the club?

He is a great player and a great man. He always has positive words on the pitch and in the dressing room. He is an example for many players on the team. I’m happy. I hope he is okay and has no problem. I'm happy with his first two goals for Valencia CF and now I hope he doesn't have any serious injury.

You said that the game was important because of what it meant to put together several positive results. Does the point today feel like a defeat?

I thought we were losing the game. That's why I'm happy about the point. Thats the reality. I was afraid of losing. I'm happy with the point because of how we played in the second half. We have to be brave, work hard and focus on Tuesday's game. Everyone expected us to win. In the dressing room you could feel the desire to win, but we didn't win and we have to think about Tuesday.

Why do you think the team have changed after the halftime break?

It's very simple. The way that we play, losing 14-15 balls in midfield means you have 6 players up front who are setting up the break, and when you lose the ball you have to run back. The analysis is simple.

You were preparing to change Paulista for Cenk. Did you miss Diakhaby?

After a set piece, Gabriel Paulista had a problem and Cenk was about to come in. Paulista had a good game. Eray did too. The change was because he had a problem and we thought he couldn't continue.