Celades: "Motivation for Cultural will be high -and it needs to be the same for us"

The day before Valencia CF's Copa del Rey Last 16 game against Cultural Leonesa, coach Albert Celades spoke about the tricky contest that awaits his team: Playing a side 27 games unbeaten at home.

The approach to the game
"We are preparing the game by trying to minimise the good things that Cultural do, whilst trying to strengthen our good points. That's what we do for every game. It isn't a special preparation, but we just have to bear in mind that in this case they are very strong at home, with great defensive organisation and a very good counterattack and set pieces. They have some defined strengths and that's why they are having such a good season."

Momentum after beating Barça
"We come into this one off a good game against FC Barcelona. We've also gone two games without conceding, which is important. Very important. The motivation for Cultural Leonesa will be at its highest, and for us it needs to be the same, because we're sure to have difficulties, in a similar context to what we faced last week in Logroño. We have the best attitude and mentality for this game, which is what a game at this stage of the Copa del Rey deserves. We need to adapt to the situation."

Rodrigo's absence from the squad
"He has travelled to Barcelona because he had an appointment for a medical examination with Dr. Cugat. It's something that has been scheduled for days and has nothing to do with what you are saying (a potential move to FC Barcelona).

"Rodrigo made a big effort to be able to help us against FC Barcelona. He trained normally yesterday, it was planned that he wouldn't take part in the Copa del Rey game and he had the appointment today to see about the injury he had, but he's ok."

Focusing on the match
"We know the context of a game like tomorrow's, which will be very similar to what we encountered last week in Logroño. We're up against opposition who are incredibly motivated because of the situation, after the boost of beating as good a team as Atletico Madrid, going through to the next round and being able to play a side like Valencia CF. It's a big boost for them, and for us it's hugely motivating to get through to the next round and stay in the competition. Undoubtedly, we have to be focused, and our intention is to transmit this to the players. It's a game of football that we face tomorrow, and this keeps on going. For better or for worse, this keeps going."