Javi Gracia: “We are excited, motivated and aware of the responsibility for a second win”

Javi Gracia talked to the media on Friday afternoon, to preview the game against Getafe CF (Saturday, 9pm CET).

The squad

“We have Cheryshev injured, but working separately from the team, just like Guillem Molina. Apart from these two players, everybody is available, including Gayà, who withdrew from training today as a precaution. We are excited and motivated, and aware of the importance of the game. We want a second victory in a row.”

Getafe CF

“We know what Getafe are like and what tomorrow's game will be like. There will be no surprise for us in terms of their style of play or in terms of the kind of game that awaits us. It is going to be a very demanding match. They give their all and are in as much need of a win as other teams. They will give everything to change their dynamic, and we have to be prepared for that and match them in effort, intensity and applying ourselves in order to take the points.  We must also try to take advantage of their needs and make sure that our positive result against Celta Vigo is a positive influence for the next game -and not something that confuses us.”

Recent games against Getafe CF

“There have been highly contested matches between us in recent years. I saw those games and I am aware, but now is the present; it’s another story and we had a match against them earlier this season that showed what can happen. They are hard fought matches, in which everyone gives their best. We saw a game that was very back-and-forth and even.”

Piccini

“One thing is talking about when he will be available, and another is when he will have minutes. You are available when you are physically fit, and the minutes come after a number of factors. Piccini is improving; his individual work has helped him to reacha better level and he has to keep working. Parallel to that work, he is getting minutes with the group. I believe that when we see him at one hundred percent -and feel that competing will not make him take a step back- he will come in.”

Bringing the ball out

“I am concerned about trying to improve the different phases of the game. Sometimes we have talked more about defensive work, and lately we are conceding less goals. The work that is done makes us more solid and concede less than at other times of the season. In the same way, we are trying to improve our attacking play, in different ways depending on the opponents, so that the players feel comfortable to use one route or another. We have to be prepared to take advantage of different details to be more fluid in attacking situations.

The goalkeeping spot

“I'm not going to say who is going to play, because in the medium term I don't know who is going to do it. I try to be fair aboout everyone's work and I try to make my decision always looking for the best result. As I said, this change is not due to a lack of trust in Jaume's work, he is doing a great job and he is a very important piece in the team, whether he plays or not. Cillessen had a good game the other day, so we will see who we choose. Both of them, plus Rivero, are solid goalkeepers -as they have always shown.”

Conversations with Anil Murthy and Peter Lim

“The president told me he was going to away, and when he comes back I think I will talk to him. I don't think this is anything out of the ordinary. I have not spoken with the majority shareholder.”

Distribution of minutes for signings

“My decisions are what they are and speak for themselves, I choose those who I think are best for the task, and there is no other reason.

I am not going to make distinctions between those who were already here and the newcomers. They are all my players and I always choose the best option for the next game.”