Corberán: “I am sure that we will be a team with intensity, concentration and defensive solidarity”

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán talked to the media ahead of Sunday’s LaLiga game against FC Barcelona.

Sadiq and Barrenechea

“It is impossible to confirm or rule out either of them. Both are working hard separately. There are 24 hours until tomorrow and we will decide based on their condition.”

The transfer market

“There are still 10 days left and I have great confidence in the meticulous work that is being done by the club. The objective will always be to improve the squad. Rather than numbers, I talk about a question of mentality and commitment. Whoever may come in will have a maximum commitment to give their best for Valencia CF.”

FC Barcelona

“The way of approaching the match is always the same: Paying attention to the opposition with great respect, analysing what they do. I like the players to go onto the pitch with the clarity of being aware of what you are going to find. They are an aggressive team, who press, who reduce space a lot and have added pace to their possession of the ball. Our objective is always to be at our best. I’ve seen a very competitive Barça. They just won the Spanish Supercopa with great superiority, fought back in the Champions League, and we are going to compete against a strong team.”

The registrations of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor

“The club issued a statement. I was never able to study the issue enough to be able to contribute anything in my assessment of the events. I focus on the sporting aspect, on the players who are going to be there. The club made a statement, it is the entity that must make a statement, because I have no reason to be able to contribute anything of value in this regard.”

FC Barcelona’s style of play

“When I was in England I liked to see what was happening in Spain, and I took advantage of the international breaks to do that. With Flick, the behaviour of the defensive line was striking, just like I encountered with Tottenham. When the player with the ball has time he does not open spaces, but reduces them and that means that concentration must be at a maximum. If an attacker is distracted, he will hinder other players.”

Sadiq's loan contract clause against Real Sociedad

“The club's level of commitment is maximum. Obviously, I had the commitment that if the player was fit, he could play the match.”

Commitment

“Since we started, I’ve seen tremendous commitment from all the players, every day. I have that from all the players.”

Sadiq's knee

“The injury he had was a long time ago. Last year he never missed a place in the squad because of it, just like this year. The injury happened a while ago, but that is not going to stop the player from having pain in his knee or in any other part of the body, and these pains have to be treated rigorously, as has been the case. He is back and there is no cause for alarm.”

Rafa Mir

“He is playing a part in the group. His recovery is going very well. When a player comes back from a muscle injury like his, I don't like to force things, in order to guarantee that when he returns he is in perfect condition.”

Management of the final minutes

“I don't like to draw conclusions on something in particular because of a specific situation. The team have to keep working to improve. I saw a clear personality, commitment and tremendous dedication in the last match. This team have to continue competing with this concentration, commitment and intensity from the first minute to the end.”

Caufriez

“I like to select the squad with the players that I understand help the team compete the most and make us more competitive. These are decisions that a coach makes. It’s a situation that will be resolved -or will have to be resolved- in the 10 days of the transfer window that we have left.”

Lamine Yamal

“It is up to us to be a great team, and I am confident that on Sunday that will be the case. We will have that intensity, concentration and defensive solidarity, and when you face a team like Barça, focusing on individuals is a mistake.”

His first 30 days as Valencia CF coach

“I have been aware of how big Valencia CF are all my life. As for these 30 days, I’m delighted with all the people I work with every day. They have shown me that their level of desire and commitment is the same as mine. We go hand in hand and we are ready to do our best. I was also very aware of the greatness of the fans.”

The potential departure of important players

“I only understand us strengthening. I’m optimistic, and the club are working very well to strengthen.”