Valencia Remains Committed to Coach Carlos Corberán Amid Challenges

Valencia maintains its unwavering confidence in head coach Carlos Corberán. Despite poor sporting results, with the team just one point above the relegation zone, and a recent elimination from the Copa del Rey against a weakened Athletic team at Mestalla, the club’s official stance remains unchanged. This was reiterated on Thursday by Ron Gourlay, the CEO of Football, who had scheduled a press conference to discuss the winter transfer market, which included three new signings—Sadiq, Unai Núñez, and Guido Rodríguez—without any departures. However, he ended up addressing numerous questions regarding the coach’s immediate future in light of the team’s performance.

“The coach is always an easy target,” stated the Scottish executive during a press event with consecutive translation. “I take full responsibility as a representative of the club. It is not just about the coach or the players; we are all accountable. This club needs stability while following and charting this course,” Gourlay emphasized with his characteristic expressiveness.

Appointed in May by Kiat Lim—president and son of majority shareholder Peter Lim—Gourlay was more assertive when pressed about the duration of confidence in the coach: “The coach is our coach and will continue to be so. My role is to remain here as well. Yes, I will see this project through to the end. The pressure will not divert me from my path.”

It is evident that Corberán has become a focal point of discontent among the fans at Mestalla. Gourlay is aware of this, as he often observes from the stands. Consequently, he resorts to an argument he used during his presentation press conference last summer: “Stability does not come from changing the coach frequently. I visit the training grounds and see how the team works. This is my perspective and that of the board. We are confident that the results will improve and will come,” he insisted.

It is worth noting that the Valencia coach has already faced chants of “Corberán, resign!” This occurred at Manises Airport in early January upon returning with the team after a 4-1 defeat against Celta. The coach has consistently shown understanding towards the manner in which fans express their frustration.

However, it is also true that the intensity of criticism has diminished following two consecutive victories in La Liga (against Getafe and Espanyol) and the expectation of reaching the Copa semifinals (after defeating Burgos), which was abruptly halted hours before Gourlay’s remarks.

At this point, the Scottish executive revisited a concept expressed in the fall regarding the club’s plan and the necessity of allowing several transfer windows to assess the team’s standing as they transition to the Nou Mestalla: “I continue to trust the coach. It is essential to differentiate between patience and stability. Patience requires tangible evidence. It must be supported by facts. I mentioned needing four transfer windows, and we have completed two. More established players are arriving. However, we must distinguish between patience and stability because what this club truly needs is stability.”