Quique Setién spoke at a press conference. He valued the draw for the Champions League and spoke about Valladolid and the current situation of Barça.
What is the way in the draw?
Actually, I did not have high expectations with the draw because it is important that we focus on the Naples match that is the key. We already know that we are going to play at home which is something that was fair. The rest of the draw is good to know because you can analyze some of the possible rivals, but first you have to watch tomorrow's game. Add another three points if we want to be there; and then the Naples game is brutal. We focus on the first challenge we have which is Valladolid.
Seeing how the draw has gone, is the Champions League harder to win than a few months ago?
Absolutely. I don't think about things like that. We try to focus on priority and we will try to keep up with the three games we have left to finish the championship. The rest are hypotheses that lead to nothing.
Arthur has tonsillitis. It has disappeared from the lineups. Do you think you can count on him?
This is a specific fact. It has no greater significance. He is training well but he can have it. His involvement is the same and he tries to give the best of himself. Next week it will pass the process and give calls.
De Jong has not been summoned.
We hesitated, but maybe it was a bit of a rush. But we thought that the best thing was for him to stay training. It has been about to go but we have preferred to wait so that the sensations are not good but excellent.
20 days will pass between the end of the League and Naples. Would you prefer fewer days?
We will never know that. Perhaps it was better to continue playing; give a week of margin. In this sense, Naples may have a little more advantage. But you don't know too. After this whip it is still good to stop. It will be a small lottery.
Would you propose to the club to play a friendly?
We may do so. We will take a vacation and then come back and then we want to play some friendly. We should do it among ourselves and also because it will be difficult to find a competitive team in those days and that can offer us what we want. Play, we will play. Cover those needs that we have.
Is it a game that worries you about the need for Valladolid?
I always try to face the matches with the maximum demand and I always tell the players that we are going to find the best version of the rivals. Valladolid is not entirely saved and will try in this match. Preparing the game well is an absolute priority. They are not going to make it easy. We may have to get to the last game. I wish it so.
Where do you like Sergi Roberto the most?
What a coincidence that in some games he also played as a central defender. It is so versatile that you can do it in any position. His predisposition is always absolute. Second, because having players like that is a relief for the coaches because you never know where you may need it. And then there is what he really likes. Maybe it's that position in the middle of the field. In any of them, we are worth it. I like them all. If not, I wouldn't put it. It is clear.
Would the game pose differently for those warned of sanction depending on what Alavés does?
I already said it last week. I am no longer thinking about penalties. There are enough players. Thinking of the afterlife is not easy. If those sanctions come, what I do not want them to come are suddenly because we would harm the subsidiary. The reality that this is not what worries me the most, the sanctions.
When Umtiti was injured there was no estimated time of discharge. Is he going to miss the whole season?
You are in a more acute process of your problem. You are trying, doing a job, and you have to see the evolution. Even the doctors don't know.
A special league. Many games in a few days, five changes. Is the lack of template depth taking its toll?
Not too much. It is true that this accumulation of matches and playing as we are playing is an abnormal situation to which we have had to adapt. But that has allowed us to recover Luis Suárez. This has happened because I hope it does not serve as an experience because I hope that no more happens, but it has forced us to adapt. But these are the circumstances. The important thing is that the championship continues and that there is as much security as possible. There are times when one has felt more disadvantaged than others and there are no more.
Are you worried about playing without an audience?
It is a disadvantage because a transcendental match with the full stand would positively influence. But this is what there is. It doesn't matter if I complain, there is no solution. It's a shame. We accept what you touch and nothing else.
Do you see Griezmann more comfortable?
It is possible that this novel situation has benefited you and you are more willing to participate. I still think he is a great player. Any great player has to perform and offer the qualities he has. And in many games he had already done so. It seems that the chip has changed for all of you, but I was already happy with the performance it had given in some games. I was already happy.
Have you been able to see Matheus?
I was seeing him in a game that the subsidiary played and he is a good footballer like others who are in the same situation.
Has there been talk of Madrid's game? A puncture could put leaders on it.
In football, everything can happen. We have seen many things over the years. Inexplicable things. But we have to focus on Valladolid and wait for the rival in front of us to fail. There is no other option but to wait and focus on what we should focus on.
Physically how is the team, is it wrong?
It is your opinion. The equipment is fine and this is indicated by the physical records we manage. Data does not go that way.
What do you think about the signing of Pellegrini?
We'll see. It is a subject that I will not comment on. I will always wish Betis to do well. It is a shame that this year I do not go to Europe. I guess it's thoughtful and I hope it works out for you.