Gracia: "We have the hope and motivation to beat Real Betis"

Valencia CF play Real Betis this Sunday, and coach Javi Gracia talked to the media ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference.

Analysing Real Betis

"They are a great team. Their position in the table indicates the good season that they are having. They have one loss fewer than us, and many more wins. They score more goals than us, but they also concede more. In that balance in terms of goals, they have managed to get to where they are. We go there with the hope and motivation to win."

Motivation at the end of the season

"As the season progresses, the competition takes its toll, but we are also approaching the end of the campaign and the games are becoming increasingly important. A professional does not need to be reminded of how important the points at stake are. Obviously we keep telling the players this, but they already know it. Besides the common goal of finishing as high up the table as possible, every player has individual goals that they want to meet. There are many sources of motivation that make everything help to have an impact on the collective objective."

A near-complete squad available

"Racic has been able to train in practically every session this week. Both he and the rest of his teammates, except Jasper Cillessen and those who are suspended, are all available."

Piccini's return

"Cristiano Piccini is training better and better, and it is possible that he could feature on the squad list. When he comes in, he will be available for whatever is necessary."

Guedes' performance

"Players go through better and worse times in all respects. Guedes has always been a player who has shown a good attitude towards helping us, with varying degrees of success. In thhe last few games he has contributed a lot in attack, with goals and assists, and he is doing a good job defensively. I am very happy with his work and he is very good for the team."

Maxi Gómez' suspension

"Similar punishments have been received for those words before, so it fits the usual sanction. We are dealing with the issue internally and I don't want to talk about it."

Trust in Kang In

"I have a good relationship with the player. I try to help him every day. When he participated, he has performed at a great level and he is a great player in training. He is still young and we would be doing him no favours by putting him in a situation of urgency. I would like him to continue at Valencia CF for a long time."