Celades: "Garay is a big loss for us and a blow to morale"

Albert Celades talked to the media on Monday after the confirmation of an injury to Ezequiel Garay, who will undergo surgery to treat a ruptured ACL. The VCF coach also previewed Tuesday's game against Granada in the Copa del Rey.

Granada CF's strengths
"They are a very tough side and are doing a very good job -especially at home, and in LaLiga as well as in the Copa del Rey. There's a good feeling about them, they are a solid team and they play well. They are tough to beat."

The approach to the game
"We're facing this one in the best way. We aren't looking ahead to the weekend. We're focused on tomorrow and facing the game in the best way possible. We're aware of how difficult it will be, but we have the best mentality. We'll try to have a good game, and we have the right mentality for what will definitely be a very difficult game.

"The change is that it in theory will be a more difficult game, because of the level of team you face. You've seen how Primera División teams have had difficulties when it comes to beating sides from the Segunda División or Segunda B. There have been many tough situations. However, undoubtedly the difference in leagues is always there. We're up against a side, in Granada, who are doing very well and are having especially good showings at home. Obviously it's going to be more difficult."

Garay
"He's a very big loss for us, and in terms of morale it's a big blow for the squad -and especially for Ezequiel. He's going to have to undergo surgery and a tough situation. It's a long term injury. We had been very close to reaching an agreement with him, and what we want now is that he undergoes the operation in the coming hours and returns to Valencia. That's when we will continue with the conversation. That's what will happen. My opinion of him remains the same, despite the injury."

A potential replacement for the centre back
"It's true that we are open to making a signing, because we have this possibility. It's true that any player who comes in could not play in UEFA competitions, only domestic competitions. We are studying alternatives, but the market is very reduced. You can only sign somebody in Spain, there are fewer options, but if a good one comes up then we will look at it carefully."

Mangala
"Mangala is fine. He's another player in our squad. He hasn't been used too much, but he is ready and he's a component of our team."

Diakhaby
Diakhaby is a player we believe in a lot, regardless of what has happened with Garay, and if he had not had his injury he had he would have participated more. This is a time to take a step forward and have more continuous performances. We have no doubt about what he can give us, as despite his youth he has been in professional football for many years and knows what the requirement of a club like this is. We believe in Diakhaby a lot."

Looking beyond Granada to the league game against Getafe
"The game tomorrow is our focus, without a doubt. It's always been like that, and that's our plan. We have a Copa del Rey game tomorrow against a team who are doing very well, enjoying a magnificent season -especially at home, with great performances. Our minds are focused on tomorrow; the weekend will come in time."