Miroslav Djukic believes that Valencia are struggling for confidence, as he explains how this week has been about simplification.
Los Che head into Thursday’s Europa League clash at home to Swansea City under increasing pressure, having lost three of their first four League fixtures with some inconsistent performances.
For their Coach, the upcoming fixture at Mestalla is looking vital to reverse the team’s form.
“We are playing in our stadium and it is always important to win, for morale and for the confidence that it can recover,” began Djukic to reporters today.
“We are not happy with the work that we are doing, let’s see if we can change things. The team currently has no confidence and we must simplify many things, play simple, because to play to our best we must have confidence.”
Djukic reflected on what he has been saying to his players this week. Reports were that Monday’s session began with a direct question to the squad.
“From the beginning of the week we have spoken a little with the players to convey that the most important thing is to make things simple.
“[We have said] to be solid in defence, to not concede goals and, in the aspect of confidence, that there is no doubt that the players want the same as I do, that Valencia do well.
“I do not have that feeling [that the players are not behind the Coach] and I have not seen a player who does not want to win.
“No-one wants to [force the Coach out], they are smarter, they play for Valencia, who must win whoever is the Coach.
“But I notice that the team does not have confidence. We must fight, push, strive and work, the team is not here for any frills.
“Would I change playing style? I am never going to be conservative, we are Valencia and we must go for our opponents, but we must avoid defeats and make things simple, if we do not risk, though, then we are not safe.”
The Serb was asked of the team’s struggles to get to grips with his playing ideas.
“I am strong and convinced in the possibilities of this team, but we are concerned that the team is not playing as we want. But I believe that this is a matter of trust and that through winning games confidence will come.
“I think the team is locked, particularly when we have the ball, there is no freshness, we are not doing much damage and that has an effect on the psychological aspect.
“We are the second highest team in possession but also the second worst in shots at goal. I want the ball so as to do damage and the team is currently not doing this.
“The attitude is good, the kids want it, but things are not working out, so we fight and for things to be as simple as possible.”
Djukic also commented on Valencia’s midweek opponents Swansea.
“They are a team that is very much Spanish, with their touch, technique, play, triangles, possession of the ball, with good players.
“They have people who are very fast on the wings, they are well structured, with players who play. We expect a very difficult game, against a team that can play with the ball.”
Valencia squad to face Swansea: Guaita, Alves, Barragan, Costa, Rami, Mathieu, Guardado, Fuego, Banega, Parejo, Bernat, Feghouli,F ede, Canales, Pabon, Alcácer, Jonas, Postiga
