Gattuso: “It might be a final for Espanyol, but it also is for us”

A trip to Singapore

Before starting I think it is best to explain my trip to Singapore. The trip went very well. I'm very happy. I have spent two days with the majority shareholder talking about many things. The owner knows a lot about what goes on here. I am very happy with the job that Corona has done. I told the majority shareholder that it is best to work with him. I am also very happy with the arrival of Lay Hoon; we talk a lot and the club look for solutions when a problem comes up. We will look at things when the winter transfer market arrives, but I think that we will change little or nothing.

Espanyol have not won at home and Valencia CF haven’t won away. Could this be a turning point?

We know that we are playing against a team who haven’t won at home. They are a very attacking team. It will not be an easy match for us, and in LaLiga there are no easy games. We have prepared well for the game since Wednesday, but we have a very difficult match ahead. We cannot start the game with doubts or fear. We have to face the game looking to play well and be alert, whilst respecting the opposition a lot.

The president said on September 2 that she was still looking for a Sporting Director. Is she still looking for one after the meeting in Singapore?

I talked to the majority shareholder and Lay Hoon, and told them that it was best to continue as we are.

Have you set a goal for this season?

We haven't talked about league position. We have talked about having a young team and we are very proud of this. He is happy with how the team is playing and how the young players are growing.

Could it be an ideal situation to take a victory away from home?

If we start with the same desire and attitude as in Vallecas tomorrow, then we will lose for sure. I've heard that for Espanyol it's a final, but for us it is too. We have to play with a great mentality, otherwise it will be difficult for us to score.

Have you talked about the renewal of José Luis Gayà?

We talked about Gayà. I think José is happy and I hope, since the club have made a big effort, that he re-signs. The club have made a great effort, because José has great value.

There is also Diakhaby, Guillamón, Toni Lato and all the players who are ending their contracts.

I am not an agent, but it is good to talk about it.

What have you told the dressing room so that the same thing doesn't happen as at Vallecas?

The excuse of the kick-off time or the heat is useless to me. I use the word surprised a lot. Today's players look at the internet a lot, and if they have seen that for Espanyol it is a final, we must go there with a strong mentality.

Have you talked to Lim about the players who are on loan?

We have talked and he knows that I like to work with players that we own. He explained to me why this season we have gone in a different direction. I am very happy to have been able to talk for many hours with him.

Is Cavani at 100% after giving up going away with Uruguay?

I hope so. He has trained very well. He has improved a lot according to the data we have. He has more strength and has trained continuously. We know that a game is different from training, but we are very happy with how he has worked in these two weeks.

Have you talked about the rest of the players who are out of contract besides Gayà?

I have talked about the renewals and I am sure that the proposal will reach them. Now the proposals must be accepted by the players.

It is not only important for me, but also for the club. I think the best thing is to give continuity to the project. Changing 6-7 players every year makes things difficult.

If Diakhaby leaves for free, it is damaging for the club, like with other players, because he is a player who has value.

Have you agreed with Lim to meet again?

In November, using the break for the World Cup.

How is Comert?

He has trained with the group and we will see tomorrow. I also want to explain that Yunus is training separately and is fine after his injury. However, the other day we detected a problem in the analytics and we are working calmly to try to avoid a new injury. He is working at 40-50% and we hope that on Monday he can return to training normally.

How is Iago Herrerin?

He will be in the squad. I am very happy with him. He has lost 6-7 kilos in three weeks. He has made a big effort to sign with us. He is a goalkeeper with a high level and experience, which was our priority. He has worked very well and has gotten in shape.