Match: “We have a lot at stake. There is less and less left. When this match ends, there will only be nine games left. It is a very important match. We have thoroughly prepared ourselves to compete one hundred percent against a top-level rival like Valencia”.
Derby: “Valencia is a very difficult rival, which comes from good results and from keeping a clean sheet. They have managed to qualify for the Copa del Rey final, with first-rate players. They have a great coach who gives them consistency. It will be a difficult match in which we will have to be very attentive to reach the end with chances of winning. We must demand 100% of ourselves and be extremely vigilant towards the players up front”.
Low: “Javier Pastore is the only confirmed absence due to his suspension. We have had players who have trained with problems throughout the week. Heli Palacios is the one who raises the most doubts in me because he has not been able to exercise 100% any day this week In the last training session he has done little”.
Return of Bordalás: “He is a coach who has achieved a fantastic evolution of his team. The beginnings were not good and it cost them a little more in the first round, but now they are very good and qualified for the Cup final. They have changed the game system because before they pressed higher up the opposition field and now they protect themselves a little further back. Valencia is a well-worked and dangerous team. We have a lot of respect for them, but the important thing is us and we must focus on that”.
Virtual permanence: “Adding 35 points with nine games to go would be amazing, something fantastic for a team like Elche, but first you have to compete to achieve it against a tough rival like Valencia. Hopefully we can win and celebrate with our team at the stadium” .
Match start: “We have been watching the game against Granada and we can’t allow them to give us two clear scoring chances in the first fifteen minutes with two actions in which they beat us on the outside. We could lose the game there. We must be strong and have the controlled meeting.
Doubts: “I will put those who are better, 100%, without thinking that there will be a break later or on the cards with those warned. Whoever is not at the top will not be able to play against a Valencia that is going to demand the maximum from us”.
Doubts on the right side: “Palacios has had problems and has suffered from the injury that kept him in doubt before playing against Granada. I understood that he was fully recovered for a game like Granada, where it was vital to win. You have to make decisions and I bet on his ownership. That is the question for this Saturday. If he is not 100%, he better not play”.
Mestalla rematch: “It’s a past game and now we have to analyze this one. There is a lot of enthusiasm to beat Valencia, even more so with our people in the stadium. We play again at home and we are in doubt with the fans”.
Badia, candidate for the selection: “I can only say that I am delighted with his performance, his work and his daily behavior. Given his level, Edgar (Badia) is one of the best goalkeepers in Spain. I fully respect the decisions of the coach”.
Controversial substitution of Badia: “The coaches do things, sometimes, to change the dynamics when the moments are not good. It is a difficult position and in which it is advisable not to raise doubts. Edgar has always worked well and has had excellent performances that have benefited the team. For me size is not a problem and goalkeepers who are not tall have played with me because what I look at is performance”.
Escribá’s critical statements about Benedetto: “I appreciate that you look at our work. From what you said about the players I can only say that my relationship with all of them is fantastic, I even talk to those who left and send me messages from time to time. I couldn’t get into it that happened because I don’t know. In my case, I never saw a bad performance and the people who left were not because of bad behavior.”
Alternatives to Palaces: “We are indebted to Josan for how he works on a day-to-day basis. He has played further back with defense of three centre-backs. He has a good physique and defends well. Barragán is the natural substitute. Diego González ended up at right back in the last minutes of Granada and he also did well.”
Renewal: “I saw Bragarnik this morning drinking mate. He is a soccer person and knows the times. Now is the time to focus on achieving the goal of permanence. There will be time to sit down and talk when the season is over.”