Valverde: "It is one of the most crucial moments of the year"

Torino need to score. Does that change the way you approach the game?

I don’t think so. In a minute a goal can be scored and would change the tie. From the start, we’ll be true to our style. The difference is not great, it’s a score draw.

Does the victory over Rayo give you a boost?

It has brought us some relief, it was a very important game. It is nice to have a positive going into the game, as it is for Torino, who drew with Fiorentina.

What are the qualities of Torino?

How well they have worked their system and implemented it, they have patience for the counter-attack. They get people behind the ball and also have numbers in attack. They have patience in their play and have confidence in what they do. They are a team who do not give up without a fight.

After the change of system in the first leg, where you changed to three at the back for the last half an hour, will you start with the same?

There is a possibility, but we need to keep in mind that we’re the team playing at home, in front of our supporters.

Would you like to coach in Italy in the future?

I do not even know what will happen tomorrow…

Will there be special plans for Maxi?

We will have special plans in place but not only for him. Martínez gave us problems. They could play Quagliarella, Amauri.

Will Aduriz be involved?

In the first leg he was not in the squad, tomorrow if he has no problems in training he will be.

With the games coming thick and fast, is this a key moment of the season for you?

There are six days ahead of us and it is one of the most crucial moments of the year. We will look to progress to the last eight with victory against Torino and on Sunday we play against a team level with us in the league before facing the cup semi-final. Although the matches are all close, when you win the momentum carries you and you don’t feel fatigued. The aim is to go into these six days looking to do equally well in all three competitions.

What is the importance of the crowd?

Hopefully the crowd will motivate us a lot. We have the advantage of San Mamés, it should be full and it should be a great game despite the kick-off time.

When do you expect to have Iturraspe?

Iturraspe will be unavailable until late March.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1wpCC2t

via IFTTT