Corberan on Facing Barcelona: The Team Must Take a Step Forward and Play Better Than Last Week

According to Marca, Corberan has asked the entire Valencia team to take a step forward in order to overcome the current difficulties.

Valencia's match against Barcelona this Sunday will have a major impact on the atmosphere surrounding the club. The team has earned only one point from three matches, and the transfer window ended abruptly. Several fan groups have launched protests against the club, with some even planning to enter the stadium only after the match has started. Corberan previously described Valencia's first-half performance against Deportivo La Coruna in the previous round as “shameful.” With several players unavailable, he needs the team to respond quickly.

Asked whether the transfer window could help the team improve on last season's performance, Corberan said: “The transfer window is already in the past. There is no point in coming here with my players and focusing on what could or should have been done. Our responsibility is to focus on the squad we have and give everything. The people who are here now are the ones who have the desire, passion and responsibility to return this passion and pride to Valencia fans. Those who could have and should have arrived are no longer here; those of us who are here have this responsibility to the supporters.”

On whether he wanted more players to join, Corberan said: “I have always communicated my views on a club's needs to the club privately. I pass these ideas to the relevant people, including positions, profiles or specific targets. After that, these conversations remain confidential. My goal and commitment to my work is to help the team reach its maximum level, and that is what we should focus on now.”

Asked whether the club considered strengthening the attack after Sadiq's injury, Corberan said: “Whenever this situation occurs, especially when a player will be out for several weeks, the club should consider it. Our goal is to rely on the players we have to solve the problem and help players take a step forward. This is how we fill the gap after losing a player for a period of time.”

Speaking about Barcelona, Corberan said: “This is a team with a lot of potential and many options. Although they have just won the league title and are the defending champions, their investment has been very significant, perhaps more than in recent years, with transfer spending exceeding 170 million euros. This gives them many possibilities. But we are more focused on Valencia. What the fans want to see tomorrow is the team competing. The team wants to prove itself in difficult circumstances and show that we can play better than last week. Tomorrow at Mestalla, we must show and maintain this competitive desire.”

Asked whether he believed the squad was complete and whether he was satisfied with the transfer window, Corberan said: “My view of the squad has always been communicated to the club based on our needs at the time. Afterwards, the club builds the squad within its own limitations and conditions, while I focus on helping the players perform at their level. What matters is not what could have been or what should have been, but the people who are here and our commitment as Valencia Club. We are the people with passion and responsibility who want to give the best of ourselves to the fans. That is where my focus is.”

Speaking about David Otorbi's possible role this season, Corberan said: “David has shown great enthusiasm in the first few matches. Last year he completed preseason with us, was included in the squad several times throughout the season, although he did not play except for an appearance in the Copa del Rey match against Sporting Gijon. This year he again completed preseason with us. He is young, but he is already someone who creates expectations. His energy, passion and ability allow you to feel what he brings and the energy he releases. When a player shows energy, passion and fighting spirit, he is always very welcome and necessary. We need this passion, fighting spirit and character from everyone to prove ourselves again and do things as well as possible. I hope David can continue helping us this year, whether coming off the bench or starting, and play a role in many matches.”

On which academy players would be included in the squad, Corberan said: “There is a group of young players on the list that we look forward to every day. We want to accompany their growth so that when opportunities come, they are ready to seize them. Giving opportunities is important, and giving players the ability to take those opportunities is equally important. The players included in the squad tomorrow are Iker Cordoba, Mayoral and Cao Medura. Otorbi and Aimar are also training with the first team. Watching them train makes people very excited. We must continue to persist, continue preparing and continue working with them so that whenever opportunities arrive in the future, they deserve them and can take them.”

On how Elliott is adapting to the team's system, Corberan said: “Elliott can adapt very well to the different structures we use as a team. If he plays on the wing, he prefers moving inside toward the center. He has the ability to receive passes back and connect with the attacking players. He can protect the ball and likes to have possession; he does not panic under pressure. Having players who can operate in high-pressure areas without being affected by pressure is necessary for building attacks. We believe he is a very interesting signing who can improve our attacking options. He is not a traditional winger, but is more suited to playing centrally, especially in the right half-space. In these areas, I believe he can help the team improve its attacking level and output.”

Asked whether Jesus Vazquez will get more playing time than Jose Luis Gaya this season, Corberan said: “Regardless of the results already achieved, I am very satisfied with Jesus' performances. He can give the team very interesting options. He already showed that when he played last year, and he has continued doing so this year. Having both Jesus and Gaya in this position gives a coach great reassurance because you know either choice can work: both players are very capable and have different characteristics, one more suited to certain things and the other to different things. In both of them you can see experience, youth, passion and desire, as well as their affection for the club and the very valuable and necessary options they provide for the team.”