Gracia: "We had a complete showing against great opposition"

Javi Gracia was jubilant in his post-match press conference at Mestalla, following Valencia CF's 4-1 win over Real Madrid.

A morale-boosting win
"It is a good time to reap the results of a lot of work that has gone before. It has been work that was not giving us the results that we maybe deserved. We have been competing well for several games now and it is the way that we have to continue. Now this win is useful for the players to receive what they deserved. There is still a long way to go this season, and this result is good for us to gain strength."

The value of the win
"I think the value of the points for us is that they come from great work that we have done before. In previous games we have had more complete performances, but we didn't end up achieving a result that would improve our confidence. Today was ideal because we had a complete showing against great opposition. Now we can continue working during the international break. We will continue working to prepare for the next game."

An unprecedented game
"I had never beaten Real Madrid as a coach before. As a player I had a few wins against them, but not many. It was a very complete game. In order to achieve such a result you have to do many things well. We put in a great effort. It isn't usual for you to receive three penalties, but in my opinion they were all very clear. The result is a consequence of the many things the team did well."

Soler's three penalties
"After what happened with the first penalty, I talked to him and Wass, who was the next in line to take penalties. Carlos showed great character and wanted to keep on taking the spot kicks. I had no doubts about him, because I see him in training and I see how secure he is. He showed his personality, as he did against Getafe in the last minute last week."

A personal reaction
"I feel very happy. On a day like this, winning in such a comprehensive way reinforces us all. The role of coach involves permanent dissatisfaction, and you feel bad about the squad members who play less than others. Now it's time to focus on the next game. I am very happy to be able to give this victory to so many people who work at the club, such as the veterans. When there is something to share, even be it three points, I like to do it, because I'm sure that it makes them very excited.

Gayà's performance
"It's Gayà's best match since I've been here. He always plays at a good level, but today he had a very complete game. In defence he was very demanding, like the rest of the line. Part of today's success was down to our defensive work, with a lot of effort put in to have more effective pressing in the opposing half. Offensively he was very aggressive in his involvement. It was a very complete match for a player who shows his level everyday."

The key to the win
"I think our performance was good. We didn't let the opposition play comfortably. We had good pressure in their half and our defensive work was very good. In attack, we not only had the four goals, but also other chances. I am happy with the work we have done."