Baraja: “The fact that Mestalla supports us and spurs us on is invaluable” 

Facing the match

We have things to improve. If you look at the result of the three games, if you don't win, then you're not doing some things well. However, in that process of putting the team together and competing as we believe we can, we believe that our model can give us the chance to compete against anyone. 

The other day in Bilbao I saw things that I didn't see in Vigo, but that I did see against FC Barcelona. We were supportive, more organised... We also need to improve with the ball and create danger in the opposition area.

We will focus on the things that we can improve and that we are capable of doing better. We can certainly do that and we are working on being more competitive. When you don't manage to win for a while, winning a game changes everything: Your confidence, the dynamic of the group... 

Honestly, if we are capable of competing well tomorrow we will have our chances, and we will try to take advantage of the opportunity we have. It is something we are longing for, to win again and do it at Mestalla in front of our fans -which is always important.

 The dressing room's reaction to the three defeats

We are professionals. Any Valencia CF fan who looks at the results would be worried and waiting to see what the team can improve to win. It's obvious and we have to accept it. Our fans demand a lot from us and we have to demand a lot from ourselves in order to win. Even if we are in a bad dynamic, we have to get back up. In football everything changes when you win; we are not that far away from that and we have the possibility tomorrow at Mestalla.

 Mestalla's role in the change of dynamic

For us, it has to be fundamental, and it has already been. It makes the difference and it is what I feel when we play away from home. The fans push us on. I expect that from Mestalla. If something has an incalculable value it is the fact that Mestalla supports us and spurs us on -even more so in the moment of need that we are in.

 I don't see any other scenario. And we have to give them what they ask of us, do our best and demand more from ourselves to find the improvement required and the results. I am the first to hold my hands up, and I have to find the solutions that make us win within the squad.

 The latest transfer market operations

The only situation that was a possibility from the beginning was that of Cenk. He wanted to be more of a protagonist, participate more, and from the start he had in mind the chance to be able to leave if there was an offer. This was activated when he found a solution that interested him. 

There were other, different alternatives, and Maximiliano is a player who can play in two positions, has experience, has leadership qualities, aggressiveness and intensity. These are the characteristics we were looking for.

 With Enzo, it was different, as it was a situation that was there and we didn't know if it could go through or not. We have been working to see if there was space for him to compete with Pepelu and Javi Guerra. 

It gives us the possibility of putting André Almeida as a more offensive player and giving us a boost in the attacking midfield. This coincided with the loan of Alberto Marí, who wanted to go away and develop. I understand that we have to give him that possibility. He's a great person and his performance has been exquisite.

 Considering a change of formation

That possibility of moving to 4-3-3 always exists. In this sense, we are clear that we can get performance with a 4-4-2 and André gives us the possibility of playing with either one striker, or with two, or a double pivot... Having versatility in the squad is positive.

 Having two players per position is very important and competition is essential because you give a little extra and are prepared to give your best. It raises the level of the squad. It's me who has to decide on it, but this always raises the level of demand.

 Three forwards and three pivots

 It's one of the things that was important last year, solidifying the midfield, having strength and being able to start with a midfield that is more specific in games where we need more running or energy. It makes you a more solid team. They are variants, each player has their own characteristics. I think that the four who play in the midfield position, plus André as the fifth man, can contribute. André can play as a second striker between the lines, and that gives us possibilities and competition.

 The winger position

 You should never rule anything out. The window is still open and we will see what can happen. This would protect us against situations such as the Fran Pérez injury taking more time. We will see what happens. One of the best things about this day is that we are going to train and then at midnight, the transfer window ends. The fact that the transfer market is over will help us to know our main objective, which is to compete and do our best.

 Villarreal CF coach Marcelino

Marcelino is a magnificent coach for what he did here at Valencia CF and for his entire career. At Villarreal CF he was able to change the dynamic, he knows Mestalla and he knows that if Valencia CF are doing well and competing at the highest level, it is a difficult place for the opposition. It is an important match, we need to win and it is a derby in which there is a special feeling. We face it with that mentality. To win you have to do many things well and we are going to try to do them.

I would like us to be at our highest level, to minimise their virtues -such as their striking ability, their speed on the wings and their ability to score goals. We must stay solid at the back to stay alive. I expect a great conviction in what we do, in what we have been working on, and that it translates into a good result.

A message to the fans

Sometimes situations go wrong, but you have to face it. In life, sometimes things are not as you would like, but you take it as it comes. You have to be able to face the difficulties. Only we can turn the situation around. I do not want to hear complaints, whining or excuses. We just have to focus on changing the dynamic. 

That's what I transmit and they understand it and accept it. Winning is important, and even more so in front of our fans. Tomorrow our fans will come with the desire to see their team give their all and win the match.

 Pepelu's callup for Spain

When you get called up to the national team it's on your own merits. He's a player who has earned it through his performance last season. It's great news for us, it's the fruit of his hard work and we're happy for him.