Corberán Confronts Challenges Ahead of Key Match Against Betis

Carlos Corberán is currently facing one of his toughest challenges since taking charge of Valencia. The Cheste native has experienced a disheartening run, failing to secure victory in six consecutive matches, accumulating only two points out of a possible eighteen. As a result, the team has found itself in the relegation zone for two rounds and is the second most conceding team in the league. They will host Real Betis, who arrive in high spirits from both their domestic and European performances. Corberán has labeled this period as a “challenge” on several occasions, calling for “an extra burst of energy” from everyone involved. In an effort to enhance the team’s performance, he has experimented with his usual formation as well as incorporating three central defenders. When asked about modifying his strategies, he firmly stated, “There is no room for doubt.”

Regarding the significance of Mestalla, he expressed, “The importance of Mestalla is always paramount; there is no better time to turn the situation around than in front of our fans.”

On the condition of player Ugrinic, Corberán mentioned: “He arrived normally and was competing, having played two league matches. However, he began experiencing discomfort in the second week, which has intensified since the match against Girona. He is dealing with typical issues that footballers face related to the patellar tendon. He needs to adapt to the workload, and once the tendon allows him to perform all movements and the inflammation subsides, he will return to the group.”

When reflecting on the current situation, he acknowledged, “We understand the discomfort surrounding the circumstance. It pains all of us not to deliver what the fans deserve. The solution lies in the commitment of the team and staff; we will give everything we have to turn things around.”

Corberán also addressed the differences between this season and the last, saying, “Every season is different. We have assembled the team with a different group of players, although we maintain a significant core from the previous season. That is the challenge we face, approaching this season with the same enthusiasm as before.”

Concerning Betis’s prolific scoring ability, he remarked, “We focus on our capabilities, while also acknowledging our opponent. They possess numerous offensive resources and are equipped to compete at both the European and league levels. Our challenge lies in presenting our best options, which we approach with absolute confidence in our abilities.”

Reflecting on the team’s identity, he stated, “Identity should not depend on who starts the match. Sometimes the clarity of the idea I want to convey on the field is influenced by the opponent. I perceive the same intensity and desire to improve.”

César Tárrega highlighted after the match at the Bernabéu how conceding an early goal impacts morale. Corberán responded, “When you achieve the desired momentum, setbacks are accepted as challenges. It requires mental strength and perseverance. Difficult moments are part of the game, and we must have confidence in our capabilities.”

When asked if six winless matches have led him to doubt himself or his strategies, he clarified, “We analyze every match. Before each game, we evaluate our identity, and post-match we scrutinize both results and performance. This is a continuous exercise. Nothing changes in that regard. In such demanding situations, I gain an extra boost of energy, personality, courage, and strength, allowing us to reverse the situation. I do not perceive doubt but rather an extra push that we all need to change things.”

Corberán commented on Betis’s trajectory as a club, stating, “They are executing things very well. Last year, they reached the Conference League final, and this year they are participating in the Europa League. We focus on ourselves and aim to achieve the best version of Valencia possible.”

Finally, addressing the tactical aspects of play, he noted, “The data defining your playing style relates to your intention. Mobility can be a crucial factor. Pressing after loss depends on where you lose the ball. If it happens in the opponent’s half, pressing is feasible; otherwise, if you are too separated, it becomes complicated. We strive to remain a brave, dynamic, aggressive, and solid team. When we succeed, we seek reasons to keep improving, and when we fail, we look for solutions to regain our form.”

Regarding potential changes in the club’s structure, including the possible departure of Corona to Panathinaikos, he remarked, “Ron Gourlay spoke with you all. My focus is on the upcoming match against Betis, which is incredibly important for us, especially returning to Mestalla in the best possible way.”