Carlos Corberán Discusses Valencia’s Upcoming Match and Transfer Developments

Carlos Corberán, the head coach of Valencia, addressed the media on Friday ahead of the impending match against Espanyol. He underscored the importance of the game at Mestalla and the challenge posed by the opponent’s set pieces. Corberán confirmed that the club is actively working on acquiring a central defender but refrained from commenting specifically on the negotiations for Unai Núñez, although he noted that the operation is “very advanced.” He reiterated that the timing of the transfer market does not always align with the team’s sporting needs. Corberán emphasized the complete alignment between the coaching staff and the sporting management, assuring that the squad enters the match motivated after their recent victory in Getafe. “We want to bring joy to our fans tomorrow,” he concluded.

When asked about his experience working in the current market structure, he stated, “The club is doing everything possible to strengthen the team. We are actively working on it. While I cannot discuss specific names as they do not belong to Valencia, I am aware that there is an advanced operation for a central defender. We aimed to finalize this incorporation earlier, as it was what everyone wanted. However, not everything depends on Valencia’s desires or needs; there are multiple parties involved. I understand that this will likely be concluded in the next few hours. Whether the player will be available to play will depend on bureaucratic procedures, not just sporting ones.”

Regarding the team’s preparations to defend against set pieces effectively, Corberán acknowledged the past difficulties. “We all wish to avoid the same occurrences as in the first half of the season. In football, however, such situations can arise, especially when some teams excel in this area. They have players who strike well and a central defender who is a key figure in these actions, attracting the ball and executing them efficiently. For us, this will be a challenge. I believe the team has made significant strides in defensive set pieces; I see them strong, eager, and dedicated to improving in this area, which is crucial. Knowing that they excel there, we must also perform well tomorrow. Furthermore, we scored a goal from a set piece ourselves, and we aim to exploit that.”

On the prospect of additional signings beyond the central defender, Corberán responded, “I do not publicly define positions. What I can say is that there are two available slots, and the club is working to finalize one immediate signing and possibly another. We want this to happen as soon as possible, but it does not solely depend on our wishes.”

He further elaborated on the club’s operation in the transfer market, stating, “I am completely detached from negotiations and searches, as it is unrealistic to expect a coach to act as a manager. I came here as a coach. I can say we wanted to reinforce that position, and with Diakhaby’s injury, this need has intensified and has helped define the profile we seek. We have right-footed and left-footed central defenders, and we need someone capable of playing on both sides, complementing our current players. The club already had an advanced search ongoing and is adhering to that criterion. However, numerous factors come into play: the player’s interest, the origin club’s stance, and sometimes the coach of that club may ask for more time due to injuries or players competing in the Africa Cup of Nations. Coordinating all these aspects seems simple, but it is not. That is why some deals happen quickly, while others take longer, despite everyone wanting immediacy.”

Addressing why some names seem feasible while others do not, he remarked, “There are too many names circulating in the media. We focus on what the team needs, which is not a one-off determination but a continuous process. First, we define the position, then the profile, which can vary greatly: more box-to-box, more central, or more playmaker. Ultimately, it depends on whether the market permits it. In the case of the central defender, it is clear: Diakhaby was versatile in playing right or left, identifying that absence underscores our need. The club operates within budget constraints and possibilities. The Technical Secretariat evaluates players and at some point shares insights with me: here are the profiles and circumstances. You offer opinions, provide input, but it is ultimately the club that seeks to finalize. Each operation depends on available players, timing, priorities, and budget.”

Regarding the internal relationship between the coach and the sporting management during the transfer market, Corberán noted, “I perceive a high level of alignment. Take the central defender situation: everyone recognized it as a necessity and wanted it resolved sooner. When I say everyone, I’m referring to the club, the sporting management, and the coaching staff. However, the timing does not always align with our needs. We all want to see Valencia succeed. I do not sense any fatigue; on the contrary, we have just begun a working relationship, and I see everyone dedicated to achieving the best possible market.”

When asked about the continuity of a harmonious relationship, he replied, “This is not about love; love is reserved for my wife. This is professional. However, when you see people suffering and rejoicing alongside you, it indicates we are all moving in the same direction.”

On whether it would be preferable to bring in players familiar with La Liga, he expressed, “I understand the debate and expectations, but my focus is currently on the players we have: Pepelu, Santamaría, Ugrinic, Almeida… I aim to maximize their performance. We have a demanding match ahead, and we want to ensure our players are in the best possible shape to bring joy to our fans.”

Finally, when discussing the anticipated atmosphere at Mestalla after the victory in Getafe, Corberán stated, “Tomorrow will be a challenging match. We are eager to return to Mestalla, fully aware of what our home ground and fans represent. We aim to compete vigorously against a rival that is performing admirably.”

As for future reinforcements following the potential central defender acquisition, he mentioned, “Currently, we have an available slot, and which position it fills will depend on demand. The options that arise are unpredictable.”

He concluded by discussing the demands of the current market, stating, “I detest mistakes and invest significant time to ensure the best possible decisions. Yet, despite the effort I put in, I still find inaccuracies. Mistakes are human; this club’s essence is self-demanding. I strive to make each decision as correct as possible, which is why I exaggerate processes: when I analyze opponents, when I evaluate my team… I dislike giving opinions without proper criteria. This goes beyond this or any other market; making the right choices brings us closer to our objectives.”

Reflecting on his team’s recent performance, especially given the lack of wins at Mestalla, he noted, “The team deserved more in the last match, defensively it was one of the best performances I have seen. We neutralized a team that creates many chances. We earned more than just one point, and even when we fell behind, we did not stop fighting. In the previous match, we were closer to winning than tying. I appreciate the intensity, determination, and continuity in our competition. The rival also competes and wants to win, but the trend is positive.”

When asked about any concerns regarding the delays in securing the central defender, Corberán stated, “I am always focused on performance and competing with what we have. When discussing midfielders, I concentrate on Santamaría, Javi Guerra, Filip [Ugrinic], and Pepelu… And with the central defenders, I focus on Tarrega, Copete, Eray [Comert], Panach, and Fontanet… aiming to get the best out of our current players.”

Regarding Javi Guerra’s current role, he concluded, “It is the same as that of Filip [Ugrinic] or Pepelu: to contribute. Sometimes you contribute from the starting eleven, and other times from the bench. I have seen Javi making valuable contributions when he comes on. The last match was tough, requiring us to take the lead and defend, and he performed well.”