Valencia CF Captain José Luis Gayà is back with the team and working under coach José Bordalás ahead of the Trofeo Naranja against AC Milan, but before training on Tuesday he stopped by VCF Media to talk about preseason so far.

His feeling about preparations to date

“I’m feeling very good. I’d already been told that everything was going great and that the training sessions were hard, and that has been the case. They are tough, but it’s what we have to do: Work hard to obtain that reward. We are eager and excited.”

“Preseason is for working, training and correcting things in friendlies. At the end of the day, it is about reaching the first LaLiga game with everything perfect and winning the opening match. We are working towards that; not only with the entire season in mind, but to start out with a victory. That first game will be very important.”

His second year as captain of Valencia CF

“I am very fortunate to continue as captain of this team. I’m proud to be captain of Valencia CF and to be able to represent this team. It's my second year as captain and it's about getting better. You don't have to set any limits for yourself and we have to improve on the previous season -we all know that. That's what we are here for, to start competing. We are very excited.”

The feeling with Bordalás

“It’s very good. I had already met him and spoken to him, and he seemed to be a very interesting coach, especially because of the way he transmits his ideas. We are taking them onboard and we have to continue working to start the season in the best possible way, which is with a victory, and go step by step. You have to look at the present.”

“I was with the national team when he called, and we talked a little about what he wanted, about the things he wanted to convey, and it seemed great to me. I also think the same as him about many things and we have to work together to achieve something good this season. We are on the right path.”

Preseason performances

“It is true that they are only preseason games, but excluding the one against Real Zaragoza we have competed very well, and that is what it is about. We want to improve on the defensive side, where last year and the previous year we conceded many goals. We have to start with our defence and then the rest will come, because we have quality players up top. The most important thing is to keep a clean sheet, which is where we have a lot of room for improvement.”

The Trofeo Naranja against AC Milan

“We’re eager to see our fans, even if there are not so many spectators allowed in. We are looking forward to going back to Mestalla. The games we played there with fans in attendance went well for us, and it is another game in which for us to get a good feeling for when LaLiga returns. Friendlies are there to prepare and the result is not important, although we always want to win. We have a good test against very good opposition, and we are going to try to beat him.”

A special match at Mestalla

“The fans have to be fundamental for us. I know that they will be there with us because we are going to give them intensity, we are going to give them a good game, which is what they ask for. If they are there helping us, everything will be easier. As I have always said, when opposing sides come and see the fans at Mestalla they have a hard time. It is a demanding and difficult ground to play at. I hope more fans are allowed in, little by little, and we will make Mestalla a fortress again.”