Pellegrini’s statements:
Baptista’s injury
“It’s a normal kind of injury after so long of not working, he was really keen to return, he had a muscular injury which is not as serious as the operation. This pushes back Julio’s reincorporation into the squad. We all know the importance that this player has, we’ve never lost a match with him, but on the other hand, there’s a squad that’s able to respond without Julio Baptista, which is full credit to the team we’ve devised. It’s a very usual type of muscular injury for a player who’s been inactive for a few months. Yesterday Fernando Hierro referred to the subject of Baptista and the doctors and there’s no problem with the medical staff.”
MCF-Levante
“It’ll be vital that we maintain consistency in all the remaining League matches. Tomorrow is a very important game because they’re a team which is in Champions League positions, it surprises me that some people still question that they’re in Champions when they’ve been in these positions for 25 matches. They’ve got experienced players and they know very clearly want they want, they’re a great team and they’ve had a standout and consistent year. We’re not thinking about equalising the goal average with Levante, rather about getting the three points that’ll put us ahead of them. In football anything can happen, but we’re not concerned about that, rather about improving week on week to end up in positions to qualify for an important tournament.”
The names
“Demichelis was the alternative in the last match against Getafe, he can fulfil this role – defence pivot – but where he came from and where he’s got us some great results is where he’ll play the most. Xavi Torres? We’re following all Málaga players that are out on loan and next year we’re make analyses, not now. Regarding Jesús – Gámez- it was blow for a day, a precaution, and he’s not got any other worries. Sergio Sánchez continues with his recovery but he won’t make the game tomorrow; Enzo MAresca has also been out for a few days with stomach problems; and Joaquín also had some minor issues but there’s no problem there.”
Levante, Champions rival
“As I said before the Getafe game, we’d like to have a mix of our games with Bilbao and the precision of the match we had against Zaragoza. In Getafe we had an average first half and pretty good second one. We ensured that the goals and the precision marked the game. I don’t think it’ll be a turning point, rather an attempt to overcome a team who are ahead on the league table. There are many teams up for it and the difference is going to be minimal, of one point. From afar I see a group of players with lots of experience, Levante have quality and have managed to achieve the most difficult thing which is an attitude of commitment which is reflected in the games they play. We always analyse all the rivals and last time the beat Espanyol in Barcelona and we have to be careful. We’re playing against the team which is in fourth position, meaning they’re in Champions. That stat of six defeats in seven away matches doesn’t reflect our considerations too much.”
The Van Nistelrooy – Rondón competition
“Ruud started off playing but he’s had some knee problems and Rondón is performing better. A great part of the achievements come from the formation of the squad, meaning the fewer mistakes you make the more chances you have of moving up. When managers have alternatives this is reflected in the league table positions. Rondón is doing a great job and getting goals; and Ruud is a great help because of his career, hierarchy, name, for everything.”
The League
“Personally I think the Spanish league is at the peak of European league due to the consistency of Barcelona, Real Madrid...What I don’t share though is that the League is normal because the teams are very very close, and everyone has a look in. This is what gives value and prestige to the League.”