VCF MEDIA talks to Javi Gracia: “I really feel that this is our time"

During the international break and ahead of the final stage of the LaLiga season, VCF Media caught up with Valencia CF coach Javi Gracia for an extensive interview about the current state of play at the club, home and away form, the role of his captains and much more besides.

Demand

"I think that it's a good time for the team. We've spoken about this with the players. The feeling that I have is that this is our time. We've put together a very positive run in our recent home games. We want to improve our away performances, but right now we're going into the final stage of the season, which is what everybody says defines a campaign. I think this is the time in which we are going to give a good showing of ourselves. I feel that we are in good form, and that training and games are very intense. I really feel like this is going to be our time."

Self-analysis

"It's a time to be very ambitious and try to see how important each game and every point at stake is. I think that we've done that over the course of the season. There have been circumstances in which the results haven't gone our way, but I think that the team have always had that interest and ambition. Now I think we are reaping more rewards from the work that we've been doing. That generates confidence and a boost in morale that really helps us to face games in a better way.

"We've got nine internationals -a lot of them very young, debuting for their countries at senior level and doing a great job. That's why I think that this process, for a team who in some weekends have been the youngest on average in LaLiga, needs time. We have to get that experience so that the team mature and grow, performing at a better level every day."

Motivation for the final stretch of the season

"I personally am excited about improving on the numbers from last season, and an average final league position from the last five years that is eighth or ninth place. That's what excites us as a team, and what excites me personally. We want to improve on all of those numbers, and I think that we can do it. At the moment our interest is in improving, and we hope that we can also share some of the remaining games with our fans; that would be one of the most beautiful things that we could have this season.

"I think that the most important thing is always to be focused on the next game. I think that the team are clear about that. How far will this way of thinking and acting take us? I think that it could lead to us finishing the season very well. We work with that faith in our preparations. We prepare very well for every game, and have the hope that at the end of the season we are in a better position -and that we are satisfied with the season that we've had."

Improving away form

"It's true that there have been certain moments in the season in which we've competed better away from home. We've also taken some important wins on the road. However, our recent away form has not been good in terms of results or the way we've played. The aim of improving away from home is clear. In parallel, we want to continue with the same strength at Mestalla that we've had."

The upcoming game against Cadiz

"I was told about the run of four home wins being something that hadn't been achieved in many seasons. Now our challenge is to beat the next team up. It also gives us the chance to win consecutive games, which we have been struggling to do. Obviously we really want to do that."

The respect and confidence received by the club

"I've always felt very respected and valued, as well as very beloved in my day-to-day life. That's what really makes me happy. I come to work everyday and see an excellent group of people. They make everything easier for me and show support and confidence that our daily work should bring us results. I have the responsibility of being coach of a big club, at a time in which I consider that things are tough and demanding. I take things with responsibility and have the intention of always doing my work very well, helping as much as I can to do things in the best way."

The VCF Academy

"Seeing VCF Academy players come into the first team is a consequence of many things: Firstly, it's because the players have come through. These players have shown their ability. Behind them is a coach, coaching staff and many other people who work everyday at the club, helping them to show what they are capable of doing. Then they get the chance to play minutes, to show what they are able to do on the pitch. I think that it's a good time to evaluate all the work that is being done with all of these young players, as they are taking giant steps towards having brilliant careers and promising futures.

"Of course, they wouldn't be anything without all of that support from the club's employees and from their more experienced teammates, who help them to mature and to grow every day."

The role of the captains

"I think that the captains are key figures in the dressing room. Many of them get to enjoy a lot of minutes on a regular basis, and others maybe don't play as much -but it doesn't affect their role, which is a vital one. They are examples for the rest of the team to follow, in terms of their behaviour, the work that they do and their commitment. It's definitely a great help for a coach to have players like them."