'This is a game that we all want to play'

Juan Antonio Pizzi assured fans that the team’s motivations are at a high for Sunday’s game against Atletico Madrid, and that the players “are determined to beat the La Liga leaders.”





"We are going to field a side that guarantees us a chance of fighting against the top side in La Liga, independently of any changes in the lineup. The players on the squad list are in good shape and will be able to compete,” said the VCF manager when asked about rotations to his squad.

“This is a game that we all want to play. Our situation has coincided with the visit from the leaders and it is very easy for us to focus on the game. They might be the leaders, but they know that a game against Valencia CF is going to be tough. We have to push for Europe via La Liga, which is going to be difficult, but we have to use every chance that we get.”

One player who will not feature is Diego Alves, who remains sidelined with an injury. “He is still in the transitional period between getting medical clearance and sporting clearance. We expect him to be better next week and we don’t consider it necessary to run the risk of a possible relapse,” he told journalists. “On Wednesday we will see what condition he is in, and three days make a difference for a player.”

Ricardo Costa could return, as he “has been training for more than fifteen days. He is fit enough to be considered to start.”

Quizzed about the form of Gayà as of late, Pizzi said that: “I was not surprised. I was happy with him because of his great performances and Nico Estévez had spoken highly of him –as has the manager of the Juveniles A side. We are going to continue using him. Bernat is hurt and so we shall probably play Gayà.”

Finally, the manager spoke on behalf of the club about the passing of Tito Vilanova. “I think that everybody, beyond Barcelona and Spain, is sad about this. It is difficult news for all of us in the world of football. We send our condolences to his family and will do whatever we can for them.”