Gracia: "Our win helps us to prepare for our next game against Real Betis"

Javi Gracia previewed the game against Real Betis in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Building on the win against Real Sociedad
"It's only been a few days since the win in San Sebastian, but I think that it's been a very nice morale booster for the team. It helps us to prepare for our next game, against Real Betis. It has strengthened us in terms of our ideas, our hard work and our motivation to continue this good dynamic, trying to keep it going for as long as possible. We know that the game against Betis is going to be demanding as well, because of how strong their squad is. We hope to be strong at home and will try to take the three points at home."

Previous games against Manuel Pellegrini's sides
"I think he's made a good start and that Betis have given a good showing of themselves, competing well in matches. They faced Real Madrid -who are a difficult side to play- and in their last game they conceded three goals quickly that made it tough for them. They have a good foundation and a very good squad. I think that they are well organised, with a coach who has great experience at big clubs in different leagues. He has achieved a lot of success. We've had a chance to face his teams before, and we know how difficult they are to play against. It's always a pleasure to spend time with Pellegrini."

The feeling around the club
"There are situations in which the results for the team affect the feeling at the club. It's logical and it happens. I don't know to what extent that may be happening here, but I can say that the team and the players are showinging exemplary behavior at all levels: In games and in training. At the moment things are hard because of COVID-19, but they are behaving exceptionally, which makes it easier for us to not have any type of problems regarding this. There is an excellent protocol from the medical team and the cleaners, and many employees of all kinds are putting in huge effort daily to make everything works. I want to mention all that, because I see it happening and I personally appreciate it very much."

Guedes' role
"All of our  players are important and Guedes is no exception. They will all have moments in which it is interpreted that they are doing better or worse, or can help the team in one way or another. I think I have to be as fair as possible with everyone's work; I don't want a player not being used or being substituted in a match to be interpreted as being synonymous with me being unhappy with him, or that the player is doing things wrong. Guedes has been, is and will be very important and I am sure that his contributions will be decisive for the team."

Expectations of a signing
"I have hope, but I don't know how to quantify how much. I have faith that in the next few days we will still have a chance of strengthening the squad. I'm not worried, but rather excited that in the remainder of the window players might come in to help us; important players who improve our squad. That's my hope, and I only feel excitement knowing that there is little time remaining. I trust that players are going to come in."