Is it a unique moment in your career?
It is a very important moment for any professional, for me and for the players. We work to be able to achieve experiences of this type. It is a moment to enjoy.
How is the locker room?
The team is really well, motivated and eager. Looking forward to the game. Expectation has risen, it is normal, because it is a beautiful final.
To what extent is Gabriel Paulista fit and how does he condition his defensive system?
Okay, the sensations are good. In the previous session we will see him, he will be with the team. We have reasons to be optimistic and I think he will be in the eleven. I would say for sure.
Are they days when you think about what it has cost you to get here?
In these kinds of situations I am different from other people. I think more about others than about myself. In the fans, in Valencia, in the family of the players, in my family… in the people who suffer so that things go well. But above all for the fans, because I am very responsible with the fans, I was surprised by their reaction and response with the team.
They talk about their style again, about ‘anti-football’ and they are criticized again…
It amuses me that they continue to talk about it and that they accuse us of things that are not true. I imagine that it is said with the aim of conditioning, they seem disrespectful and out of place. I never did that, talking about a rival’s game, because it would disrespect them. It disrespects our fans, an entity that is over a hundred years old. I have nothing to say. Valencia is the team that receives the most fouls of the season. When we are accused of being the ones who interrupt the most, it will be the other way around.
Do you think it is said to condition the referee or why do you think that is said?
I think that has already been made clear in my previous answer.
Mr. Pellegrini said “let’s see how many kicks they give us.” Is it one of those phrases that are hung in the locker room?
I have mentioned it and I have nothing more to say. You have heard their statements. I focus on my team and we focus on ourselves, because I think it’s the smartest thing to do.
How do you prepare for the final?
We are the youngest team in the league. I see you calm and well. You don’t need a bonus. We are all waiting for this final. I know the team’s response will be good. A final is always complicated, difficult, especially when you have a rival like Betis. All comments are good towards them. They are having a great season, they have an incredible squad, they play at home. But this is a final, we are optimistic.
What message do you send to the fans?
Little can we tell you. Thank them, because they have tremendous fans. This morning there were a large number of fans cheering on the players. Hopefully we can give you what you want most.
Are Betis favorites for the final?
There will be games that are more fun than others, but the Spanish League is the most even. In a single game, anything can happen.
Is Seville a talisman for Valencia?
I can tell you that after the game. I am a person who only thinks about the immediate. Valencia has lived very nice moments. We will surely enjoy. We are all waiting for this match.
Gayà insists that you have to enjoy yourself because they are moments that you don’t know if they will be repeated, what are you going to say to the team?
I don’t go public with what I say to guys. But I send them messages every day. Moments like these are few. Those of us who have been in this for a long time know what it costs to be here.
What do you expect from arbitration?
With the arbitrations I have not been critical. I have been with the VAR.
The key?
If he did, we’d have an advantage. We want to try to make the team win. We have had less time.
What match do you watch?
An amazing atmosphere. That is what I visualize. If only we knew the script or how it was going to unfold… but football never ceases to amaze us. Football moves millions of people and is so attractive because it is unpredictable. I know that the atmosphere is going to be spectacular and then we will see a good game.
Do you agree that Betis is the favorite or do you think it’s good that so much is said?
I respect it. They have told me all these weeks. I think about my team and what we can do to have a good game.
How does one prepare for their first final?
It is my first final, but I have played games that were to be or not to be, because you played a lot with a promotion to First. I have experience in matches of this depth and responsibility. I’m calm and I’m fine.
He imagined when he arrived at Valencia that he was going to be one game away from taking the Novena to Valencia.
You always imagine good things. I would have liked to be higher up in the league. It has not been. But fortunately we were able to be in the final in the Cup.
Have you thought about what it should be like to lift the Cup?
We all have fantasies and you work to achieve important things. Achieving a Cup title would be very important. Not only for me but to make many people happy because their passion and life is Valencia. These people deserve that we give a plus.
How is Thierry?
It’s okay. He has played a series of games in a row after the injury. On Tuesday I changed him to rest.
Who would you remove from Betis?
It has magnificent players and my wish is always for the best to be there, because all footballers want to be there at times like this. To fully enjoy a game of this level, the best have to be there.