Baraja: “I'm frustrated because we left empty-handed after the great work that we did”

The coach of Valencia CF, Rubén Baraja, gave a press conference after the defeat against Girona FC on LaLiga Matchday 15, played at Montilivi.

The game
“We played a high-level game until they made it 1-1. We didn't kill the contest off and the goal to make it 1-1 hurt us. The team were competing well, withstanding Girona's attacks. The fatigue and effort we made were felt. We didn't do the final part. I am very frustrated and very angry because of the great game we played today and the fact that we did not take anything positive away in terms of the result. We knew that the game was going to be tough. It's a shame to leave here empty handed. The changes we made didn't give us the energy we needed for the last push, and Stuani was decisive."

Diego Lopez
“He came in with a problem before the game. In one action I told him to go down because he couldn't continue, so I could take him off, and the referee told me that it was to take advantage and waste time. He played with a lot of pain and in the next move it was 1-1.”

Foulquier

“We were about to make the change because he had suffered a cramp and put in Selim Amallah, because Girona were trying to go outside and send in crosses. We were not able to defend the move well because Foulquier was very tired, and that gave them extra confidence.

The squad
“We are aware of our situation. We showed up here and we had the joint leader of the league on the ropes. It's annoying not to win. The players put in a great effort. This has to help us learn.”

His conversation with the referee
“I only asked him about the incident with Diego López. Why didn't he stop the game? He told me that Diego was trying to deceive him, but I already had the substitutions prepared. I don't understand it."

The final minutes
“It is a very difficult ground to come to. The team's response was magnificent. It was great work by the team. Having a chance of winning until the end carries a lot of merit. You have to applaud them. The frustration comes from having left empty-handed after that job that we did.”

Defeats
“Whenever you don't win you have concerns, but after having seen the team compete like this, it leaves me calm. Sometimes you do things right and you don't get results. It has to help us learn and understand how to read these types of games. All this comes from having experience. We left everything out there, and as long as it is like this we will always have chances to get points.”

The team's effort

“It hurts because you leave here with zero points, after having done a great job. We didn't deserve to lose. The team worked hard and, in fact, some of us couldn't even breathe at the end. There are ways to lose and I'm happy with our attitude. I'm hurt because we didn't get the three points, and now it's time to recover because the Copa del Rey is coming up.”

His best season in front of goal
“It is the result of hard work, of taking care of yourself every day, having your teammates support you and being happy both on and off the pitch. You notice that a lot. Nobody believed in me, except Baraja, who gave me the opportunity, so I working hard was the least I could do for him. He gave me the opportunity and I had to take advantage of it. A thousand thanks to Valencia CF, to Baraja, and now it's time to give some joy to the fans, so let's keep working hard.