Toni Lato (La Pobla de Vallbona, 1997) shares with Gayà a position, another product of the factory of left-handed backs of Paterna, and a feeling of belonging. Gayà's injury gives him starting stripes for several weeks. First time, against Atlético de Madrid.
Does it give pressure to have to supply Gayà?
Pressure, none. It's mad having to do it because he's injured. Jose (Gayà) is a guy 10 and is our captain. But pressure is not what I feel. Your discharge is important to us, but I will give everything in my power. I always assume the role that touches me at all times and now also the responsibility of occupying the side … if the coach chooses me, of course.
Has Gayà given you any advice or said something to you?
Well, if I'm honest, with the protocols for Covid-19 I haven't seen him this week.
“The team is young, but also ambitious and has shown mental strength”
Have you gotten used to living with Covid?
The strangest thing is still playing without an audience. But the day to day has also changed. Now we have unfortunately had another case and until we have new PCR results we have to train in small groups.
Soccer comes from the cradle to you.
As a child they gave me a ball and “ale, entertain.” My uncle played for Levante (Vicente Latorre), my father reached Second B, another uncle also played for Lliria; my mother and my aunt played for the Valencian National Team; my brother is a goalkeeper at Vallbona. A dinner at my house is a gathering of yours: some from Valencia, others from Levante … crazy. (laughs).
Lato and Gayà.
David González.
Is being a youth squad an added value?
I think something implies, yes. For me, playing for Valencia is the ostia. My first time was with the youngest. I have known Carlitos (Soler) since he was 6 years old … The road here is very long. Many teammates, who were very good, did not make their debut with Valencia. It is an accumulation of experiences, feelings, values… Yes, I think it is an added value.
Did you ever think it wouldn't come?
Never. I was always clear about the sacrifices I had to make to get there. And that as a child I was afraid of many things. If he scored a goal, he cried because he was shy. It was very embarrassing. But my goals were clear and my dream was always to play for Valencia.
How did your experience in Eindhoven help you?
It was so complicated, that much. And that was brief. From the moment I arrived I saw that the thing was not what they had told me. And I don't really know why. It may be that the change at the last minute of the contract (from transferred to loan) had an influence, but of course it was not due to performance, because they hardly gave me a chance. That helped me to think more about myself. I learned to be a bit selfish, which is good sometimes too. Luckily everything changed in Pamplona. In Osasuna I did feel supported from minute 1. For the sports director, for the teammates, for the coaching staff … I have affection for Osasuna.
In summer he returns to Valencia and the only thing they make players leave from the dressing room, how was that circumstance experienced from within?
Players are demanding and we want to play with the best. It was an extraordinary and complicated situation for the club, the fans and also for us. But Covid-19 affects clubs a lot. Those outings have also given us young people an opportunity.
When Kondogbia left, those of us who stayed knew that, yes, yes, we were the ones who were going to be there and the ones who had to pull the car “
The last to leave was Kondogbia, who they will face at Mestalla.
A great player. But from the moment he decided to leave, those of us who stayed knew that we were the ones who were going to be there. The team is young, but also ambitious and has shown mental strength. The commitment of the coaching staff is total.
Did Gracia's attempt to exit affect the locker room?
There has never been any rift between the coaching staff and the players. Communication is very good and the line of work has always been the same. The technicians are 10 and we are to death with them.
And what can you expect from this Valencia?
That we compete every game. We know how demanding it is to represent Valencia, but we don't have to set long-term goals either. It is a year of transition. Important players have left and young people have to pull the bandwagon. We are seeing that the team has ambition and never gives up. If it is us, we are a strong team. It was demonstrated against Real Sociedad, against Real Madrid …
Do you have an explanation for the ups and downs in the matches, at the beginning like that of Vitoria?
When you do not go out as you play in the First Division, it is very difficult and anyone can score two goals in 15 minutes. The key is to be us from minute 1.
Now Atlético is coming …
A great team. For me, today, the best in Spain and one of the best in Europe. Physically strong, tactically stiff and resourceful at the top. But why can't we beat them like Real Sociedad or Real Madrid?