Carlos Corberán Aims for First Away Victory with Valencia

Carlos Corberán begins the year with the pressing need to secure Valencia’s first away victory of the season against Celta. Currently ranked seventh, Celta presents a formidable challenge, particularly given Valencia’s lackluster performance at Balaídos. In addition to tactical considerations for the upcoming match, Corberán is also focused on the winter transfer market, seeking to strengthen the squad. With only 16 points from 17 matches—just above the relegation zone—the urgency for new signings is clear.

Regarding player absences, Corberán stated: “I will start with the players who are excluded: Dimitrievski is out due to persistent health issues, and Comert has been sidelined with a flu. We are also monitoring Ugrinic, who is doubtful due to similar health concerns. However, Hugo Duro and Pepelu are showing improvement after overcoming their ailments.”

On the importance of having players return soon, he remarked, “We must change our results ourselves. The club is actively working on this. Ideally, we want new signings as soon as the summer transfer window opens, and the same applies to the winter market. However, this is not always feasible. What matters is achieving consensus on our needs.”

When asked about the specific positions that require reinforcement, Corberán commented: “When the transfer market is open, it is advisable to refrain from publicly discussing positional needs. We have options for strengthening the team, and the club is diligently working towards that.”

Reflecting on the team’s preparations post-holidays, he stated, “I see the team eager, well-prepared, and confident. We’ve put in the work, and the desire to start the year strong is evident. During periods without training, we engage in reflection, aiming for improvement.”

Evaluating Celta, he said: “They play very well, and Claudio has transformed their football identity, emphasizing ball possession. They boast a mix of young talent and experienced players, which enhances their overall level. The more you attack them, the more you force them to defend.”

When questioned about potential signings, including Sadiq, Corberán maintained, “I will not discuss players who are not part of Valencia. While ingenuity is important in negotiations, one must also consider available options. I am not directly involved in negotiations, but I maintain ongoing discussions about the positions and characteristics the team needs. Our goal is to reinforce the current squad, keeping availability in mind.”

On financial resources for signings, he confirmed, “There is financial capacity to pursue new players, and the focus is on strengthening the team.”

Regarding potential player departures, he stated, “In any market, changes cannot be ruled out. Valencia is committed to reinforcing the current squad.”

When asked if Valencia needs reinforcements or if they are urgent, Corberán replied, “I would not frame it as a question of urgency. As a club, we have both the obligation and the need to strengthen. However, I believe that with our current squad, we can achieve better results, although options in the market for improvement are also important.”

Commenting on Bryan Zaragoza’s impressive performance at Celta, he acknowledged, “That’s an excellent question. As coaches, we influence performance through our decisions, the players we select, and the solutions we provide. I feel responsible for making changes when necessary. A player’s form often relates to their capabilities and emotional state.”

Addressing weight management during the holidays, he noted, “All players followed a specific training plan and weight limit, and I am pleased to report that everyone complied. The group is highly committed and attentive to details.”

Looking ahead to 2026, he expressed his desire: “I wish to bring joy to Valencia CF by achieving success. Our aspirations are fulfilled through commitment and effort, and I believe everyone in the squad shares that commitment.”

Reflecting on last year’s surprising achievements, he concluded, “I believe in hard work over miracles, in personal accountability, and I trust that our group is capable of achieving great things again.”