Gattuso: “The game against Almeria is fundamental”

Valencia CF coach Gennaro Gattuso spoke on Sunday in a press conference ahead of Monday night’s LaLiga game against UD Almeria, which rounds off Matchday 18.

Fitness in the squad

The only player out injured is Thierry. Castillejo has been training with the team for two days, so I have to talk to him and then decide if he is available. Diakhaby trained at 50% yesterday, and today a little more. I think it's just Thierry who is going to be out.

A big match against Almeria

I don't like the word ‘fear’ used for an opposing side. A better word is ‘respect.’ We are playing against UD Almería who are a very brave team when they have the ball, with a lot of pace up front. They know what they have to do with the ball. I think we have to have a great game tomorrow, and I’m sure that we will have the support of the fans. It’s a fundamental game.

The Copa del Rey

We aren’t thinking about the Copa del Rey now; we have to think only about tomorrow. If we look at the table we can’t be thinking about Athletic Club. The priority is tomorrow's game, and after tomorrow we hope to have all of our players available and then we will think about Thursday -but the priority for now is tomorrow's game

The possibility of resting Cavani

If I’m honest, I haven't thought about whether he should play 50, 55 or 60 minutes. The priority is tomorrow's game, which is essential for us.

A possible turning point in the season

It is clear to me that it is a fundamental match, because we have dropped many points at Mestalla. Tomorrow, with the support of our fans, we have a vital game. We know it's a difficult fixture, we know we're playing against a very brave team, but it's essential to win tomorrow because three points could change everything: Our mentality, the consistency in results that we've lacked in the past 5 months… It is a very important game.

The importance of the fans

I have to thank the fans for all the times we have played at home at Mestalla, as the average attendance has always been more than 40,000. This moment is important and delicate for us, and that is why after the match against Sporting I asked the fans to come to the stadium -because they are very important for us. I hope that Mestalla is full tomorrow. I know it's very cold, which is unusual in Valencia, but it would be massive for us if the fans come and help in tomorrow's game.

Almería’s potential change of style to play like Cádiz

Almería have a well-defined style. They are a team that like to play football, bring the ball out from the back and play with a 4-3-3. They have a lot of speed up front, sometimes they play deep, but they will play with the same style as always.

The team’s position in LaLiga

In these last two days of training we have prepared for the game and the team are doing fine, with a good mentality. It’s normal for us to not look at the table, and it’s better for us. We have to prepare the game well and we have to be ready physically and mentally. It’s better not to look at the standings. We have to get the result and improve our position.

The keys to the match

There are two keys: The key when we have the ball and the key when we don't. We are playing a team that do many things similar to us, a team that like to command the game, that have a well-defined style of play. We have to do things right in both phases, because if we don't press well when we don't have the ball, it could put us in trouble.

Looking for a pivot

We are not just looking at a pivot. We are also looking at players who can come in with experience. It’s not just a pivot, but a midfielder who can play in several positions.

The transfer market

I am talking about this all day. I hear that we have to respect Financial Fair Play, that we are looking at players, and if a player comes in then it has to be to help the team. If I think that he is not going to help the team, why should I sign him? If a player has to come in, it's to help the team.

When you have money, you can go into the transfer market. We have looked at many players, but you see players who play well, who have experience and you have to pay for them, put money in for them... and it's not easy. That's why we've been waiting for a few weeks, but we haven't signed anyone yet.