Voro: “The team look ready to fight until the end”

VCF caretaker coach Voro González talked to the media via video press conference on Friday, just under 24 hours before his side’s big game against Granada at the Nuevo Los Cármenes.

The team’s mental state

“It was a setback to lose against Athletic Club, but there were also some good things. The team looked ready to fight to the end and had good spirit. I am optimistic because, despite the blow that the loss was, I see a good attitude amongst the players.”

“I have spoken with the majority of them and I have a day-to-day relationship with everyone. I do not know of any friction within the squad, and that isn’t the impression I get. A team with poor results, a negative dynamic, which has changed coach, have to win as soon as possible. These small frictions, or whatever, are normal. It happens here and at all teams -it would be bad if it did not happen. The tension of training, the competitiveness to play… I don't see it as a problem. The team have had a positive attitude. We are ready to compete. There are many factors that can lead to you winning, drawing or losing.

Rodrigo's injury

“It is an important loss, combined with that of Gayà as well. They are two important players for us.. We have to be prepared for everything, and we have a very large squad. We can't do anything about it and we have to focus on pushing forward; there are other players who are excited about the possibility of playing. We are going to continue with our heads held high, and nothing changes when it comes to being prepared to go to Granada to win.”

Gameiro and Maxi Gómez playing together

“Those two have played together and we have more forwards as well. It depends on the game, the opposition and the formation that they use. We have a lot of variety and a lot of quantity. We have people who want to take advantage of the minutes they are given, and that is the most important thing.”

Shutting out noise from outside

“We are strictly focused on the team’s performance and on what happens on the field of play. Players have to make sure that they are focused solely on competing in training sessions and in games. Everything outside of that does not help us achieve objectives or change the dynamic of our results. The target is Europe, and we shouldn’t waste a minute on anything else.”

The goal of the Europa League

“LaLiga is set to end on July 19th, but what we have talked about is that in these six games we have a goal. In my mind we have very few days to reverse the situation and improve it; there are few games remaining and our goal is to get into Europe. When there is a moment in which you do not have the chance of qualifying for the Champions League, or only a very remote possibility, you have to be realistic. The players have to show on the pitch that we can at least enter the Europa League. The first thing we have to do is be a competitive team, always be in the game, and we will have chances to win. That is the most important thing. Against Athletic we had the best chance and they twice scored two goals. Tomorrow we have a new opportunity.”

Changing tactics

“The formation could have some variations. It depends on the players you have at any given time; the effort required is great and sometimes you cannot repeat many players in every game. We are playing every few days and amidst high temperatures. We have to think that to compete well you have to have fresh legs and a fresh mind.”

What is needed in order to compete

“Commitment, dignity... All that is associated with the mental aspect. Mentally, despite the situation that the team are in, what I saw against Athletic was that the team wanted it, were committed, became angry after losing and competed. There were mistakes, which are part of the game, but I think that effort is fundamental. It is the basis for improving other qualities -even physical ones.”

Expectations of Granada CF

“Granada are a team who, even though they've come up from the Segunda División, are having a very good season. They are a very dynamic team, with very clear ideas, who knocked us out of the Copa del Rey this year. We're expecting a difficult game, because they are a side who won away from home on Wednesday with a practically completely changed lineup. That shows the potential that they have in this final sprint in the season. We're expecting the best Granada side; we know the difficulties that they pose, and it's an opportunity to compete against a good team who are in good form. Above all, it's a chance to show ourselves that we can start to pick up points and see where we get, starting from tomorrow.”