Valencia’s Coach Corberán Prepares for Challenging Week Ahead

Carlos Corberán, the head coach of Valencia, faces a demanding week ahead, with matches against Real Betis, Athletic in the Copa del Rey, and Real Madrid at Mestalla the following weekend. However, as is customary, he remains focused solely on the next match, which will take place this Sunday at La Cartuja against Manuel Pellegrini’s team. Corberán confirms that César Tárrega has recovered from injury and warns of the dangers posed by their opponents, especially in counterattacks. Regarding the transfer market, he states that Valencia remains vigilant for any potential signings. After securing two consecutive victories, Corberán maintains that the team’s situation has not changed: “The reality of the team has not altered; our need remains high, and we are working toward achieving our goals.”

When asked if he would have preferred Guido Rodríguez’s contract to be longer, Corberán replied, “I do not focus on contract negotiations, their duration, or the amounts involved, as these aspects are entirely outside my purview. What we concentrate on is maximizing the performance of the players we have. I am pleased that the player is here; he is a high-level footballer with experience and knowledge of the league, and he arrives with the mentality and eagerness to help. We are glad to have him and are focused on extracting his best performance.”

On the training front, Corberán confirmed, “Yes, he has trained well throughout the week, just like Unai Núñez. Both have been able to train without issues and are available for selection.”

When asked about the strategy for the upcoming match, whether it will be more aggressive or conservative, he stated, “Real Betis is a great team, as evidenced by their position in the league standings. They finished fourth in the Europa League, are in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, and did not require a play-in to advance. Their last home match was a victory against Feyenoord, and they recently defeated Villarreal, who have been performing well. All this reflects the level of our opponent. It will be a very demanding match. Each team has its own identity and way of approaching games, but it is clear that both sides must play with maximum ambition, maintaining a high competitive mentality, and focused on giving our best.”

Regarding potential reinforcements, Corberán noted, “The transfer market remains open, and while it is, we must always be alert to any possibilities or circumstances that may arise, especially since we still have games to play before the window closes. The squad has been strengthened, as we have been able to complete the available licenses. The downside has been the loss of Diakhaby, an important player for us, but we have covered his position and also reinforced two others. The bulk of the work is done, although we cannot rule out last-minute developments as the market closes.”

Reflecting on the team’s prospects with the new signings, Corberán expressed confidence, stating, “Our goal was to reinforce the squad to be more competitive. We lost one player but brought in three, giving us two additional options within the group. The aim is to be as competitive as possible. The situation remains the same: we must approach each match with maximum ambition, striving to be the best Valencia we can be, and competing earnestly for the three points. Neither our objectives nor our expectations change.”

As for last-minute injuries, Corberán reassured, “There are no last-minute absences. Foulquier has trained normally, as have Tárrega and Copete, and the entire squad is available for the match. I see the locker room as united as ever. We share the same joys and pains. The group is mentally prepared, recognizing the need to win matches, compete, and perform well to achieve victories. I see a committed, united team focused on achieving our goals.”

In a week featuring both a cup match and a challenging game against Real Madrid, alongside Betis, Corberán discussed managing effort and planning: “It is not a cliché; the most important match is the one we have now, which is against Betis. We are going to Sevilla with that mindset and the intention to give our best in this crucial encounter. Once this match is over, the next one will become our priority, and so on. We understand that this is a week of three matches, but we enjoy playing. Having midweek matches is a positive for Valencia, as it signifies that we are competing in multiple competitions. We approach each match with the utmost seriousness, one at a time.”

Regarding Betis, who are known for executing and finishing counterattacks effectively in La Liga, Corberán stated, “That is indeed correct. While their identity involves holding possession, building from the back, playing with patience, and positional attacking, they are also very dangerous during transitions. They can be lethal in counterattacking situations. This was evident in our match at Mestalla, where both teams had chances, but they created significant danger on the counter. They possess fast wingers who may not always track back, allowing them to remain deployed when recovering the ball. These factors define the opponent’s identity, and it is essential to analyze them, discuss them with the team, and ensure everyone is aware of the key points for the match. Betis excels at transitions, so we must attack wisely, avoid unnecessary actions that could facilitate their counterattacks, and maintain vigilant defensive coverage to manage that aspect of the game.”