Valencia CF03 January 2023

Gattuso: "In the Copa del Rey there are no easy matches and I liked the team's mentality"

Press conference following CF La Nucía-Valencia CF

Our coach Gennaro Gattuso has spoken to the media after the Copa del Rey match between CF La Nucía and Valencia CF (0-3).

What are the most positive and negative things you can take from the game?
Negatives:  Nothing. Today we had everything to lose. Before the game I told my team that I felt the fire, but for us it was not a day off. We didn't concede a goal and now we will rest up to prepare for the Cádiz match, which is essential for us.

You have talked a lot about Justin Kluivert and today he was decisive. What did you think of his performance today?
He has a lot of quality. He can do a lot better. Even today, he made mistakes in 4 or 5 actions. He can do a lot and I want a lot from him because he has everything needed to play at a very high level. He has speed, he has skill, he has everything. He has to continue to improve.

Lato played in midfield. Will that be a definitive move for him?
I also like him in midfield. He understands football, he's smart. I like him. Vázquez is with us and I have to put him in another position. When he plays he gives it his all. He is very intelligent. This season he is not getting injured and he can help the team a lot.

You said that you only had one pivot, but today Guillamón was a starter. Was it risky to keep him on the pitch for so long?
Do you think I was thinking about the game on Friday or that if we lost today we were out? I was thinking only about today's game. In the Copa del Rey there are no easy matches. I have only thought about fielding the best possible team.

Today it was very important to win ahead of Friday's game against Cádiz
We have to look at the table and respect the opponent. I got very angry before the Villarreal game. Many times we have scored a goal and then we have lost. We have to change the mentality. The team today played to not concede and I think we can improve this, because we are losing incredible games. We lack concentration. In the first half at Villarreal the opposition equalised, and in the second half we played with fear. I don't think it's a problem of the young kids, it's a question of mentality. But if they lose, we all lose. We didn't lose because Mamardashvili and Diakhaby missed from set pieces. We have to continue as we  played in the first half, with a good mentality.

You decided to let Mamardashvili play. Was it difficult for you to make the decision? Have you talked to Iago Herrerín?
It was very difficult. Iago is angry and I respect that. I was very worried about this match. It was fundamental. I feel sorry for Iago because he always trains hard, I also feel sorry for Cristian who was not on the bench, but I have to make decisions and today I decided this.

Might the changes made at the tactical level be seen more often?
We didn't play with three centre backs. We built up with three, but it was a line of four. I think that today Mosquera has shown that he is a very interesting player. I'm very happy with all of the team.

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