Javi Gracia: We didn’t let the opposition play comfortably.

Valencia manager Javi Gracia spoke to the press after Valencia’s 4 - 1 win over Valencia.

Zinedine Zidane’s quotes were already covered here.

Of his team’s win over Real Madrid, Gracia made it a point to note that this was a personal milestone for him.

“I had never beaten Real Madrid as a coach before,” Gracia said. “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.”

Gracia highlighted how important Jose Antonio Gaya was for his team in getting the best of Lucas Vazquez. “It’s Gayà’s best match since I’ve been here,” Gaya said. “He’s 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.”

“I think our performance was good,” Gracia continued. “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.”