Gracia: "We need to match Osasuna's intensity and attitude to beat them"

Squad fitness

"Cillessen is continuing with his recovery process and is training; he feels good and will be available to us shortly, but for now he is not. We have Thierry Correia's injury, for which the tests ruled out the most serious injuries we feared, and he has a grade two sprain of his external lateral ligament. We will have to see how his recovery develops in order to determine when he can come back. He needs time and we will talk about this depending on how his recovery goes. Uros Racic has trained normally and Carlos Soler trained for part of the session with the team today. We shall see, because we don't travel until tomorrow and so we'll wait until the last minute."

The importance of the match against Osasuna

"Osasuna are in great form, not only in terms of how they feel but also with their results. Since they played us here at Mestalla they have had many games, and have won many of them, only losing three: Sevilla, Barça and Betis. They are very demanding opponents and are playing at home, so I don't know what we will need to achieve victory, but I am sure that we will not be able to do it if we don't match their intensity and attitude on the pitch. They are very committed, very honest and very hard-working."

Playing two games in a week

"It has an influence. We have to evaluate the effort of the players and try to get the most out of the squad. We believe that all games are important, but the one we give most importance to is the next one up. We are going to choose the best eleven players to play well and try to win."

His future at Valencia CF

"I don't need to be told that I am part of their plans. I know the type of contractual relationship I have, my opinion is clear when you ask me. I have a contract and we are focused on finishing the season well. If something other than what is in mind by both parties has to be discussed, there will be time, but now is not the time."

Communication with the president

"My communication with the president is more fluid now. I see him more often. Today I saw him and we spoke for a few minutes. Before, we didn't see each other so much and he talked less often."

Returning to Pamplona

"It is always a reason for joy. I have not been back there in a long time, and seeing the stadium and many people I know gives me great pleasure. At the same time, it is a great responsibility due to the situation we are experiencing. We need to have a great game and get the points. My feeling towards Osasuna is one of gratitude."

Squad planning

"When you ask me about players I give my opinion. You asked me about Kang In and I told you that I hope that he stays at Valencia CF for many years, because he is a great player for the future. However, I not only have to look at the future but also the present, and the performance of the team. We are working on that, trying to win as many games as possible. When the club deems it appropriate to talk with me about other issues other than the present, then we will do that. Now we are focused on the end of the season, which is very important. I will give my opinion if the club ask me."

The European Super League

"My opinion is along the same lines as what the club have already expressed. I see it more as an economic project than a sporting one, I don't think it really represents what we all want in terms of values, ​​not only in football but in sport in general. The organisations will have to make the decisions, and I understand that it is not easy, but they have to prioritise everything related to the essence of football. Honestly, with this new competition I don't see it that way.

The organisations make decisions for the good of football; always with a spirit of constant improvement, but with football in mind.

I think we should have a more global and less interested vision. My opinion is to think about what is best for football, and making sure that decisions are made so that this is the case, then we will see in what situation Valencia CF are in. We do not need extra incentives to try to win as many games as possible and be in the best possible position. We do not need any other incentives beyond representing our club.

Everyone has their own opinions. I would like football to improve, but everybody sees the concept of improvement according to their own interests.

What must prevail is protecting the game and, in this case, the players. I don't think that is happening. We are going to try to improve all that. We will do what our profession allows us to do, but our opinion will always be to protect the game and satisfy the fans, who are the ones who should enjoy watching their teams."