Carlos Corberán Prepares Valencia for Villarreal Showdown

VALENCIA, Spain — Valencia CF head coach Carlos Corberán addressed the media Friday, discussing his team’s upcoming match against Villarreal CF in La Liga’s 24th round, set for Saturday at Estadio de la Cerámica.

Corberán confirmed that all players are available except for Enzo Barrenechea, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. He expressed gratitude towards Villarreal, where he started his coaching career, describing the match as special and crucial for both teams.

“It’s a special match because Villarreal was a key club in my beginnings as a coach. I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me,” Corberán said. “Despite both teams having different goals, securing points is important for both sides.”

Reflecting on previous performances, Corberán noted the mixed results for Valencia. “We have played four league matches at home and two away. The match against Barcelona was a disappointment. We need to earn points away from home as well; playing at Mestalla isn’t enough,” he stated.

He emphasized the intense preparation for the match, stating, “The team has trained with the concentration and intensity required for an away game. We approach every game with ambition and responsibility, analyzing both our performance and that of our opponent to prepare accordingly.”

Corberán highlighted Villarreal’s attacking prowess, noting, “They are the third-highest scoring team in the league, right behind Madrid and Barcelona. Our performance must match their level if we want to achieve a good result in their stadium.”

On the topic of player roles, Corberán spoke about Pepelu and Diakhaby. He praised Pepelu for his strong commitment and readiness. “I see him very prepared and eager to help the team. The best teams maintain their identity no matter who plays,” he said. Regarding Diakhaby, he noted that while he is training with the team, his return must be carefully managed after his time away due to injury.

Corberán also commented on the competitive nature of his squad, saying, “Every player has the potential to be a starter. It’s about how they perform in training and their progression,” he added, stressing the importance of having multiple quality players for a competitive edge.

As for tactics, he mentioned flexibility in formations. “Whether we start with four or five defenders isn’t significant; the key is to maintain aggression and solidity. Adaptability is vital for achieving our defensive objectives,” he explained.

On the eve of the match, Corberán reiterated the importance of mental strength, stating, “The essence of Valencia CF lies in its competitive spirit and the ability to perform under pressure. That’s what I want to see tomorrow.”