Albert Celades appeared on the screen (the press conferences are telematic) with clear ideas and the speech he wanted to launch learned. He knew what he had to say and propose: union, confidence and good words to the behavior towards him of the black and white players. The week, following the defeat in Eibar and after his discussion with Maxi Gómez became public, he heated up around the figure of a coach who has made it clear that “I have not presented the resignation nor am I going to present it.”
Do you feel, as we say from the outside, that you have lost control of the locker room?
Nerd. Not at all. I've always felt supported by the players from day one. We have always had the support of the players, from the first day until today and it was a difficult situation, but they have always helped us.
Have you submitted the resignation or are you planning to resign if you don't win at Villarreal?
I have neither submitted the resignation nor intend to submit it. It's false.
He says he hasn't lost control of the locker room. So what happened to Maxi Gómez?
I've always thought that wardrobe things are talked about internally. When something happens, it is spoken internally. They are dress codes and that's how I understand. Between Maxi and me everything is very good.
Do you fear for your position at Valencia if you don't beat Villarreal?
I'm not afraid of my position at all. I am focused on making a good match, in the best way. We come from little rest to prepare the game, but I am sure that we will do very well. The group is psyched to change the dynamics away from home.
Has there been talk of conflicts with Maxi, Coquelin, Nephew … Do you think the situation can be redirected?
The things inside stay inside and fix themselves internally. I only have words of thanks for the players because they have helped us a lot. They are great footballers, that's why they are at Valencia, but they are also good people, always ready to help. Those who have been here for many years are hardened and have lived many things here. We have a healthy and united group.
He is seen more blunt and ready to launch a message of union. How do you feel? Do you think that Celades has a double magnifying glass and that now it burns more than ever?
I do not know. I know that I am in a position of great responsibility for the size of the club. I try to wear it normally. We try to live the day to day normally. Trying to live with them and when you have a good group, united, that has gone through difficulties and a group that has helped us a lot. I have no reproach, on the contrary. They have helped us a lot and the achievements are due to the players.
Have you ever felt that you have been disrespected?
I have felt supported and respected at all times. It is very difficult for them to support you if they do not respect you. I've felt this way around the world. On the club side, on the wardrobe side and on Cesar's side. I have neither resigned nor will I resign. I'm going to be here fighting to get the most out of the team and what worries us is tomorrow's game, in which if we win we get back to Europe.
The match against Villarreal is a new opportunity for Europe.
So is. Sevilla's game was one more example. Everything is very even and it costs us all to win. It is the general trend. We had been like this all year but even more after this restart. There are many points left and everything is very even. We are on time for everything. Most teams now play something and every game is very difficult.