Voro: "I think that I can offer something to improve the situation"

Valencia CF caretaker coach Voro González addressed journalists in his first press conference since taking charge on a temporary basis on Monday. He previewed Wednesday night's game against Athletic Club and explained what he expects from the team in the remaining six matches.

His first words to the players
"Unfortunately, there is a dynamic of bad results, above all after the break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. That affects performance, as has happened at every team. I think that, right now, the most important thing is that the players are aware of the importance for the club and ourselves of changing this dynamic in results -especially in recent games- together. We have six games remaining. It's very important for the club to play in Europe. This is a group that has worked very well, both in terms of the sporting side and as a group of people. Logically, we are going to give them the confidence to ensure that they are able to improve this situation."

Taking on the caretaker role
"Just like on previous occasions, for me this is an act of responsibility in a difficult moment for the club. I think that I can offer something to improve the situation. That's the way it's been on other occasions -too many- but I have spent many years at the club since my time on the youth team. For me it's an honour to have the club think of me in a difficult situation. I have no intention of staying on beyond these six games, but I will try to offer as much as I can to turn this situation around."

Tools for changing the dynamic
"The most important thing is to have a chat with the players, to have a predisposition to compete with the utmost possibility of winning games. That is the minimum required for a game against Athletic. The team need to react; the players suffer as well, but it's a good group with quality, and I'm sure that they will give a good showing. We are going to give them the right tools to see the real situation, and from there be able to improve their performance to get points."

The offer to become caretaker coach
"On Monday afternoon the president called me, and it was the first time he'd commented anything about it. He told me that they had taken the decision to sack the coach and asked if I was willing to take on this role. Of course, I said yes. I can see that the club are in a difficult time, and there is practically no time left. As a Valencianista and somebody who has spent many years here, and somebody who has taken on the role on five occasions before, I said yes unconditionally. We are here to offer our experience in these situations so that the squad can improve."

The mental aspect
"As there is little time for us to work, the mental aspect is fundamental. When there is a change of coach it's because the expectations haven't been met, and that also affects the players. We will try to take care of all aspects of play that might make us stronger. The mental side helps you to overcome tiredness, have confidence in what you are going to do, and trust your teammates."

A message to the fans
"We all want the best for the club: Fans, players, the coaching staff, the club employees... In my humble opinion, I would tell them that we are going to do everything possible to turn the situation around, to compete and to fight for every point. That's the starting point for us, which will take us to 'X' position and 'X' objective -which we hope will be Europe. I can only promise that we are going to work and give our maximum dedication to improve. We can't give false promises, but there will be hard work and more hard work."

The game against Athletic Club
"We have a game tomorrow against Athletic Club. They are a side who have had very good results away from home. They came back from the break in a good dynamic. They are a very intense side, who have a high fitness level. They are a group who compete very well; we know who we are up against tomorrow, and we are going to need to be very well organised. This afternoon we are going to prepare for tomorrow's game to ensure that we are in the best shape to win. It's the first game, and the best remedy to boost morale in these kinds of circumstances is winning the three points. That would be the ideal scenario."