Baraja: “The team are eager and hungry for the next game”

Valencia CF coach, Rubén Baraja, appeared at a press conference ahead of the LaLiga Matchday 4 game against Deportivo Alavés, which takes place on Saturday, September 2nd at 6:30 pm kick-off.

The match against Deportivo Alavés

In their last game, they performed at a great level. They do things well and they attack. They have momentum and they have been strengthened well. At home, they do some great things, and on the counter and off crosses they are very dangerous.

We will try to defend those aspects well. The preseason friendly is a reference for us, but it is nothing like tomorrow's game. Last week we competed well, and in the second half we had a high level. The penalty hindered us, but the team reacted well. It’s just a shame how the game ended. This season we have to be capable and improve our away record compared to last year and dominate the situations in each game.

The transfer market

I am not disappointed with the squad we have. We knew about the difficulties and that the project was going to have a significant reduction in the budget, as well as in the cost of the squad. I will continue working hard with the squad I have. I believe a lot in the possibilities of our players and I hope to get their best performance from them.

Hugo Guillamón

He has a contract, he is a Valencia CF player and he is going to give us things during the season. He is in good shape and I am sure that he will contribute

The squad list for Matchday 4

Gabriel Paulista has a small injury and is undergoing treatment. Both Amallah and Yaremchuk have been included. We want them to get to know the group right away. Yaremchuk will go away with his national team on Monday and we will use him as much as possible this week.

The state of the squad

I am clear that the team are competing very well and that the players believe in the work they are doing. We have great enthusiasm and joy. When we ask the kids to contribute, they are very willing. They are eager, have attitude and are hungry. In terms of numbers, it is a small squad, but we have the enthusiasm and the desire to grow and improve. I am here because I want to be here and I would like the club to grow and improve -and for that, we need the fans.

Roman Yaremchuk

He is a player with a good track record. He arrives in La Liga with great enthusiasm. He has goals, finishing and mobility, which is what we were looking for. We have had several options, but the final decision was to sign him and I hope he scores many goals.

Selim Amallah

He can play in several positions. He has good goalscoring ability, he has hunger and energy and we expect a lot from him. He has been very patient waiting for Valencia CF and he wanted to come here. We think he will adapt immediately.

Gabriel Paulista

He is an important player because of his history here because he is a captain. But with this transfer market, you never know what might happen.

José Luis Gayà’s call-up for Spain

I'm happy for him. He has started the season at a good level and, when a team does well, the players benefit. I hope he gets continuity with the national team and is important for them.

LaLiga’s sanctions

The most important thing is the fans' return to the Grada de Animación. We have missed them a lot and we have to learn so that it does not happen again. I focus on what we are going to achieve from now on.