Corberán: “We are aware of the situation we are in” 

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán talked to the media following the 1-1 draw with RCD Mallorca at Mestalla.

Analysis of the match

We clearly deserved more than a point. If you analyse the game, if there was one team that was arguably better out there, it was Valencia CF -against a team that had their chances.

The start of the match was somewhat sluggish, and we weren't able to fully impose ourselves. But even so, the team had the game relatively under control, looking for ways to hurt the opposition. It was from the free kicks they received in midfield, or further up the pitch, that they managed to take the lead from a set piece.

From that moment, until the last 15 minutes when they changed their formation, we looked determined, created chances, showed drive, and generated more than enough to have won the game. But we could only manage a draw.

When they switched to a back five, the game changed. Once we made changes, bringing Danjuma in on the left, the team found the way to hurt them again, although we gradually lost some of those scoring opportunities and they also had chances. But the overall analysis is that there was a team that went for all three points, and unfortunately, we only managed to get one.

The position in the table

For me, I wouldn't look at the standings based on what our rivals are doing, but rather based on what we are doing.

When you average less than a point per game this season, it means that our results, regardless of what any rival does, need to improve.

What the team lacked

If, from the chance we had on the left with the cross that Lucas headed, we had scored instead of the goalkeeper saving it, I think the analysis would be completely different.

Today we lacked accuracy in those final actions, because I think the team generated the necessary volume of chances, and apart from the finishing, we also need to defend set pieces better, because that's one of the few things Mallorca were able to create. Insisting on competing is the only way to put it; whoever doesn't compete at this moment isn't going to achieve any objective. We are in this fight, we are aware of the situation we have to face and deal with, and this situation is going to demand a lot of mental strength, a lot of power, a lot of intensity, and giving our all in every match. That goes for the players who start and the players who come off the bench. It’s the only way to get better results.

His assessment of 2025

This has been across two seasons that I’ve coached 38 games for Valencia CF. I don't know the exact points tally, but I would divide it into those two seasons.

In the first season, the team achieved our objective, in a very difficult situation. And in the second season we haven't achieved the results we need to. We have to analyse why we aren't doing that.

In the last few weeks, I'd say in six LaLiga matches, I've seen an improvement in the team that is palpable and noticeable. It’s an improvement in performance, but not in results. We have to look for improvement in both aspects: In performance to get results, but not just focusing on performance, as we have to strive for results.

There are details that are penalising us. There are situations we must improve to get better results. Defending set pieces is one of them.

There are details we need to analyse to understand why. What do we have to do better, what do we have to correct, what do we have to look for? Above all, I think we need to gain awareness, gain maturity, and know the situation we have to face.

Not conceding at Mestalla

It's ideal not to start a match by going behind. Once you start behind, you have to equalise before you can win. There weren't enough chances to suggest that Mallorca were playing better than Valencia CF and that the goal was a consequence of Mallorca's merits, because I didn't feel that way.

We found some opportunities and were gradually working our way into the match. But they scored the goal that put them ahead and it made everything more difficult. Perhaps they also overdid things with their defensive approach.

I saw a Mallorca side lying very deep, focused on defending that goal. We were a Valencia CF side that pushed forward, that managed to dominate and created chances. But we lacked the finishing touch to win the match.

Set pieces

In the build-up to the goal, there was a duel that we were able to win. After winning that first duel, Mallorca managed to win the rebound.

The previous weekend we had a different kind of situation, and what we need to do is analyse where we need to put taller players to balance those situations. But overall, I would say that the team were balanced defensively. Mallorca have their centre backs and Muriqi, who are players who have that physical presence.

That makes those situations a challenge. Unfortunately, we conceded in the few situations where they had set pieces. The team generated so much attacking pressure that we saw few defensive actions.

I don't know how many corners we had, or how many they had. I also see more emphasis on us being able to create, to score. We generated a lot of attacking pressure.

We've had a lot of set pieces that we haven't been able to capitalise on. That's a problem, and a step we have to take. We need to improve both defensively and offensively to move forward.

Ugrinic 

He had some discomfort in his hamstring. I think Ugrini, up until the moment he was substituted, played a very, very good game. He was able to give us width on the right, width on the left, and create chances to shoot.

I'm very satisfied with Filip's performance. He’s still lacking match fitness, and fatigue set in. Having players on the bench who should and can help the team, we opted for that substitution.

Hugo Duro partnering with Lucas Beltrán

I think they're a very complementary pairing, giving us a lot of options. Hugo Duro is able to occupy the centre backs and allows Lucas some freedom. Lucas is a player who also helps build the team's play, besides always being in scoring positions -like in the chance he had.

Ways to improve

There are areas for improvement. I've talked about defensive set pieces, I've talked about attacking set pieces, I've talked about finishing. We each need to analyse our own performance and give the best we possibly can.

I've also talked about something that's very important to me, which is competitive maturity. Being aware of the situation and facing it with what it demands, which is giving our absolute maximum. That's what we're going to do; what we must continue to do and keep pushing for.