Marcelino: "If we play this way during the season then we will be very high up the table"

In his post-match press conference, Marcelino García Toral rounded off the preseason fixtures for Valencia CF with an analysis of the bwin Trofeo Naranja, a look back at the summer so far, and an assessment of what is required before the start of the LaLiga season next weekend.

Conclusions from the game
"Preseason tests are always useful. Let's say that this game is different to the rest, but it isn't definitive in terms of drawing conclusions. If we play this way during the season then we will be very high up the table, because we were up against very strong opposition: A side in the Champions League who have spent over 200m euros this year on signings. Looking at how the team played, the chances generated and how little our opponents created due to our control of the situation fills me with satisfaction. I hope we don't have any injuries, and we will be training with the same excitement and ambition as we have done up to now, in order to do everything possible to beat Real Sociedad."

The starting lineup
"When putting together the starting lineup, we took the decision to make a nod to the first eleven from the Copa del Rey final. I think that we owed everybody this. The team played at a very high level; it's undeniable that we have a lot to improve, however much we win and however well we play. It's satisfying that the goal started off with a player on the left wing and went in from a player on the right.

"The team never lost shape, and we had chances for a second goal, whilst our opponents barely had any. We have a mistake that we have to correct, which is that in preseason we've conceded three avoidable penalties. We've only conceded from set pieces, besides the game against AS Monaco -which was from a lost ball. We need to try to correct these situations."

Remaining signings

"As I said before the game, we need a centre back, a left back and an attacking player to increase our offence. Two players to complete things, one to boost us. We didn't have any more centre backs available today. Maybe one will arrive over the course of the week, and we believe that Diakhaby will be available to play against Real Sociedad."

"We want to compete better. We know how hard the season will be. We want to get closer to the big sides, and it's going to be very difficult. As a Champions League side, we've invested less than the three teams ahead of us, as well as one who finished below us. We have a great squad, with everybody committed to the cause, and I think that with three more players we will have a more balanced and potent group."

The fans
"We ask for the support of the fans, because we want to make this ground a very tough place to visit for the opposition. Today we received an extraordinary welcome. I hope that we are able to maintain and increase this unity that exists between the team and the fans."