Celades: "We will go out against Barça with the best mentality"

Valencia CF coach Albert Celades previewed his debut game in charge in his Friday press conference, ahead of the Saturday trip to the Camp Nou to take on FC Barcelona.

Expectations for the match
"I expect an FC Barcelona who are just like they are: One of the best teams. When you play against such a good side, you need to hold your concentration for 90 minutes, as they can make you pay for any lapse. We know about their quality, but we are optimistic as well. We will go there with the best mentality and with the idea of competing in the best way."

FC Barcelona without Messi
"FC Barcelona are a great side. No more needs to be said about Messi, but Barça always give you difficulties, whatever starting XI they field or the changes that they make. They cause even more problems at their home ground. We know how difficult the game will be, but we are focused on the plan that we have worked on in our two training sessions together. We'll see if we are capable of competing in the best way possible. That's our intention, and what we are focused on: Competing in the best way. We will go out there tomorrow in Barcelona with the best mentality, and try to compete against a magnificent side."

The dressing room
"Under the circumstances that they have been through, the players have shown great professionalism."

Dani Parejo's message on social media
"Parejo is our captain. He's not just a player but also somebody very important for the fans. He's spent many years here, in very different times, and gone through many difficult situations -as well as other nicer ones. He knows the club well and his attitude is very positive for all of us. I think it's a great show of responsibility. That's the way we want everybody to be. I hope that his optimism and mentality as captain is contagious.

The playing style and formation
"We are going to see Valencia CF, which is the most important thing. We've focused our planning for the game aware of the demand that comes with playing against a very good side at a tough ground, but we have a chance to win and we will go there with the mentality of competing in the best way possible. Our style of play is more important than the formation. We are trying to make the most of the good things that we have, and gradually incorporate other things."