Javier Aguirre: The team is currently maintaining a good level in both mental and physical condition.

Valencia head coach Javier Aguirre attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the La Liga match against Racing Santander in the 8th round, and answered questions from the media regarding the team's squad, recent performance, player form, and tactical arrangements for the match.  

Javier Aguirre said: "Sporting Santander has a very strong overall team. I expect the team to be fully committed in tomorrow's game, to meet the challenge with a positive attitude and tireless effort, to dare to control possession, and to actively seek winning opportunities while ensuring a solid formation. We must balance both attack and defense, and the team is capable of doing so and should aim to win."  

"I am pleased that the injured players are gradually returning to the team, and now almost all the players are ready to play. The team is full of confidence, everyone is eager to play, and everyone feels that their form is steadily improving. Both mentally and physically, the team is currently in a very good state. We will field a competitive and reliable lineup."  

When discussing the use of Valencia's youth academy players, Javier Aguirre said: "I don't consider age when selecting players. What really matters is the player's ability. Everyone must earn the coaching staff's approval through weekly training and performance. Getting playing time means they have already proven their worth."  

"Whether a player has only played one game or has two hundred games of experience, I treat them all the same. As long as they perform well enough in a week of training, they deserve to be in the match lineup."  

"If I had to pinpoint the club's most outstanding strength, it would undoubtedly be its ability to develop young players. Every time I see the mural depicting players who came through Valencia's youth academy and eventually made it into the national team, I am deeply moved, because there are just too many national team players who have come from here."  

"My team has always emphasized running ability and maintained a tenacious playing style. If we have always adhered to any belief, it is that no matter what kind of opponent we face, we cannot relax in the slightest. We must fight with all our might and give our all until we run out of energy. My team will never lack fighting spirit on the field, let alone appear listless."  

“These players have all demonstrated excellent adaptability. We have tried a variety of tactical approaches and explored different game strategies in the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of each player’s characteristics and thus maximizing their potential.”  

Speaking about Javi Elliott, Javier Aguirre added: "It's a great privilege to be able to communicate with him in his native language. He's reacting much more quickly on the pitch now, and he's also adjusting with the help of a personal nutritionist. I highly value his professionalism, and his individual abilities are outstanding. Our next step is to help him reach his full potential. He's in excellent physical condition and ready to compete."  

Image source: Internet/Valencia official website