Gracia: "This is a good opportunity that we don't want to waste"

Javi Gracia spoke in a press conference before Valencia CF's home game against Getafe CF, which takes place on Sunday at Mestalla. The coach explained that the group have been working well and are optimistic about their chances of picking up the three points on Matchday 8.

The game against Getafe
"The players are very focused on the next game and the points that are at stake. We know that we are up against opponents who are demanding. They've been doing things well for a long time and have always been a tough team to beat. We have our own weapons and motivation, as well as our own chances. We need to exploit this to the fullest. That's what we are focusing on: Working hard and preparing for the game, so that we can compete well and dominate the game -albeit aware that it will be very demanding."

Team morale
"The team are looking in good shape to me. I see them taking responsibility for the situation, working hard and very focused on their everyday work of preparing well for the game. It's definitely a great opportunity that we don't want to waste.

Based on the level of the work that we are doing on a daily basis, I can see that the atmosphere in the squad is there. The defeats we've suffered provide us with an added responsibility when it comes to our next opportunity to compete, due to the situation that we are in.

Defeats have an effect on you, but in recent games we have competed well at times. We could have taken better results. We want to draw on that, albeit knowing that we have to improve. We want to have more of a chance of winning the next game and be in good shape in terms of morale, so that we aren't left hurting if we suffer a blow during the game. I'm convinced that this is going to be our game."

Cillessen's chances of starting
"He's a great goalkeeper. We have two great goalkeepers and they are all capable of starting. It's a decision that we will make for this position, just like we do for the rest."

The condition of injured players
"The only player out injured is Diakhaby, and it seems as if his injury will last for a few more days. Esquerdo also has a small problem. Everybody else is available."

Kondogbia's availability
"He had some discomfort that prevented him from training with the team, and later he had the habitual recovery process. He has trained with the team thi week and hasn't followed a process that is any different to other players. He is training with the team and we have him in mind for tomorrow's game."