Gracia: "The work from everybody was decisive in the final result"

After a high-scoring 4-2 win in the derby at Mestalla in his first official game in charge, Valencia CF coach Javi Gracia talked to the media in his post-match press conference.

Analysis of the match
"The game had different moments. The opposition started better and controlled things better in the first half. Despite this, going into halftime with the score at 2-2 kept us in the game. The effort that the team made, despite not being fluid and without feeling great, should be acknowledged. We grew and improved as the minutes went by, and the work from everybody -those who started and those who came on- was decisive in achieving the final result. Today's result was down to all 23 players, who were positive in terms of fitness in a week in which there have been many people out. We held up very well until the point where both teams were lacking energy."

Losing the ball in the first half
"I agree that we weren't fluid with the ball, and that's why we conceded the first goal as we did. We didn't find connections easily. Every player has their virtues, and when drawing up the starting XI I try to find the best lineup for all phases of the game, without wanting to detract from any player. Those who participated did very well,  and I want to give credit for this victory to the work done by everyone -not only in this game but in the entire preseason. It would not be fair to talk about those who are not here."

The transfer market
"Today's result does not change the needs of the team. The situation is the same; it is what it is, but it shows us that the players we have, despite their youth in the case of Yunus and Esquerdo, have their virtues. The assessment of the needs that we have has been done and I don't think it is good for anyone to be constantly talking about this -especially after a game like the one we have just played. Those who had the chance to play showed that they deserve that recognition."

Yunus Musah
"The merit for what players do, like Yunus today, should go to the player. There is the makings of a player there, and despite his age he showed great maturity to endure the level of demand that was there. That should be valued and we should take care of him, so that in the future he contributes many more things to Valencia CF."

Aspects to correct despite the victory
"I agree that the result should not hide the things that we did badly as a team. In the first half we were very fragile, whereas I didn't have that feeling in training or in the preseason games. We have to try to make sure that this does not happen to us, as it will be difficult for us to score four goals in every game. We have to try to concede fewer goals."