Gracia: "We consider the points against Elche to be vital"

Javi Gracia gave an extensive preview of Saturday's LaLiga game against Elche CF, talking in his pre-match press conference at the Ciudad Deportiva.

No unexpected importance for the match against Elche

"When I signed for the club, I thought that every game would be important: Not just the next one up. Now, especially in the situation that we are in, we consider the points that are at stake to be vital -whoever the opposition are. I think that we have to give the best showing of ourselves, and try to make sure we take the three points."

Recovering mentally from Copa del Rey elimination

"In another competition, with more games, you always think that there is a margin of error and a margin to improve things, but not in the Copa del Rey. It hurts to be knocked out of a competition for which you were excited, but when it happens you already know that there is little you can do about it. It helps us to improve and to continue growing in the competition that we have left, which is LaLiga, I want to think that is the case.

A packed schedule

"In terms of the process that we've been through this week, I think that we've had a lot of games in a short space of time. That has included two away games in a row, which we were unfortunate with as they were up against top opposition. We were one of the few teams in the Copa del Rey to play three games in the space of seven days. I think that there was just one other team who had to do that.

What we are trying to do is get the players recovered as soon as possible, both in terms of their fitness and their mental state. We've trained well, within the possibilities that we have in terms of workload. In terms of morale, the team look good to me. They look focused and aware of the importance of tomorrow's game -as well as very motivated."

Elche CF analysis

"They are opposition of whom we have already seen what they are capable in our first game against them. They always show that defensive consistency, whether that be with four or five at the back. They have many options up top and great potential off quick transitions; that's how they scored against us in Elche and in many games against other teams. They are a very solid team who defend with many players back, which makes it difficult to penetrate the opposition box. It will be necessary to be very focued, in order to attack and have control of the game with possession -in addition to being aware of their fast transitions."

Aspects to improve

"Tomorrow we will try to finish our attacks better, and not give turnovers that allow the opposition to break -as happened against Osasuna. We will try to generate dangerous situations and be balanced so that they don't harm us on transitions."

The cause of recent goals conceded

"We are trying to correct the errors. The fact that on some occasions your high press is overcome does not have to raise doubts or make you change the way of playing. Looking ahead to tomorrow, we have to be prepared, as it could be a game of spaces; if we want to recover the ball in the opposition half and have the chance of facing a more disorganised team, we have to accept those risks. We have to improve some aspects so that we are not caught by surprise when we make a mistake."

Maxi Gomez

"With Maxi we have had moments in which he hasn't been available. He has been contributing to the team for a long time and working well. I trust that between now and the end of the season he will score many goals and he will continue to be a decisive player for the team. We have to try, as a team, to try to generate more chances. His effectiveness is good and we are going to try to make him able to score more goals -him and all the forwards."

Guedes

"The reason why he was left out of the squad is the same as when he is available for the next game. He is a player in our squad, and we decide what is best for every game and every moment. I decided that it was better if he wasn't called up. We always try to choose what is best, there is no other reason than that."

Kang In

"Reaching an agreement is down to both parties. It is something that the player will have to decide with the club. If they consider it appropriate, they will try to reach an agreement. I would like Kang In to continue at this club; I consider him to be a great player and with a great margin for growth and improvement. Although he is young, he shows great signs of maturity and like all young players he needs a little patience and time to grow and improve. I would like him to continue at this club for a long time, because I consider him to be a great player."

Piccini

"A series of tests are being done to assess his fitness. He is willing to help and I consider him a great professional. I don't think he will be available in the short term, as he needs time to train and improve his fitness. You can see that he has worked hard and tried to improve after his injury, but he still needs more time. How long? It depends on how things develop."

Cillessen

"In the short term he will not be ready either, but he is training with the team. He had a complicated injury, but thanks to the good work he and the medical team are doing he can now train, but in order to compete he needs time. He is not available yet."

Cheryshev

"Today he felt some discomfort. I am waiting on him. I want to wait for some tests that he is undertaking, so let's wait for the results tomorrow."

His future as coach

"That doesn't depend on me. What I have to try to do is to make the team better, have more chances to win and get better results. Nothing else.

I said that my goal is to try to finish the season because that would be synonymous with things going well. The interpretations you make about that are subjective and I don't agree with them.

What I think doesn't matter. The important thing is the situation the team are in, and that is why the team and I are working to improve the situation. The importance of the club is above the people and above the coach."

The transfer market

"I have nothing new to comment on signings. There are still days and hours in which to make movements and we are all still waiting to see what can be done, but I don't have much information about it."

Internal communication

"The contact I have is with all the people who are at the Ciudad Deportiva day-to-day. When the president or a director comes along, we get to exchange thoughts. Since the game on Wednesday I have not had contact with anyone; on the plane we travel back with the directors, but we haven't exchanged any information or anything in that regard either."