Ronald Koeman He did not dare to put the concept of ‘step back’ in his mouth, but he did admit that the team did not know how to read the needs of the game well and that they made many individual mistakes.
How do you feel after a draw?
We did the most difficult thing, which is to come back from the goal against and score two goals, but then we failed in concentration. We have lost many balls in very large spaces. We have not controlled the game defensively in many phases of the game.
Disappointed with your team?
Valencia have defended well, with many people behind. It is true that we have not had many chances and that we have played very irregularly. I am more concerned that my players have to know what the game needs at all times. Valencia was creating a lot of danger for us and we were playing one on one against their forwards.
At least happy with Araújo's goal?
For a defender it is also very important to score. He has worked well and played well, but his goal has not served to win us all three points.
Can you talk about a step back?
In attitude surely not. We weren't good throughout the game and we lost control. I have seen the team with doubts, yes.
Why did you take De Jong out if he was in trouble?
Frenkie had some discomfort in practice on Friday and it was a risk that he played all ninety minutes. We put him at half-time for Busquets because we were looking for something different, but not because Busquets was wrong.
Why so much irregularity?
With the age of many players it is also normal that there is irregularity in the field. It takes time for the young to mature.
What happened in the goal conceded from a corner?
Valencia have very tall players to play from set pieces. It is clear that you cannot leave it alone, you have to at least be on top. We are smaller and we have problems in these types of plays.
In what things does the team have to improve?
There are moments when it is not so important to play well as to know how to take the game to the end.
Have they already said goodbye to LaLiga?
We have not yet said goodbye to LaLiga. We are quite a few points away, but there are still many to be disputed. The classification can turn around in two months. You have to fight and try to recover the points.