Corberán: “We have the desire to start the season in the best way possible at Mestalla”

Carlos Corberán spoke on Friday to preview Valencia CF’s LaLiga opener against Real Sociedad. The coach gave his thoughts on the Saturday night showdown.

Talking to transfer targets

I like to talk to potential signings, so that they know exactly what they're going to find at Valencia CF. So that they know the demands they'll face and the goals they'll be striving for. I want to make clear that they don't sign just because they’ve spoken to me; they sign because of the prestige, history and future of Valencia CF. In these conversations I let them get to know me, I get to know them better and I give them that context and confidence so that -when they arrive- they can play with us.

Aiming for Europe

Tomorrow we start the season, and it's very important to start well in front of our home fans. That's the goal I have in mind right now. In the medium to long term, the objective is for the team to always be competitive, to nurture the fans' desire. We want that, when we go to Mestalla, we give them that desire to watch football that they always have. We want to repay that desire. The will is that, Valencia CF are committed, that we are competitive in every game, and that we fight to represent the club in every game. ,  When the 38-game season is over, we'll see where our work and our mentality have taken us. We have to focus on our work.

Players unavailable 

Hugo Duro didn't train during the week, but returned yesterday and is in perfect condition. Almeida was carrying discomfort from the previous week, but he made an effort that I value and want to see from my players -and he's available. We have two absences: Thierry, who is continuing his recovery, and we're positive about his progress -although there are still several weeks left before he can be fully cleared for competitive football; and Dimitrievski, who couldn't train today because he suffered shoulder discomfort yesterday. It's normal for him not to have time to recover and be with the team tomorrow.

Being able to not worry about a relegation battle

I'm never going to take anything for granted, because that would be a mistake. The goal is clear: to be a competitive team. We work every day to make the team as competitive as possible; that's the job we have.

Satisfaction with the current squad

The squad isn't set un stone; every year there are changes in the teams, players leaving, players coming in... it's all a cycle. Evaluations of the transfer market, in my opinion, should be made at the end of the window. As of today, I'm satisfied with the work that's been done to secure the signings we've made. At the same time, a club like Valencia CF demand ambition, and we'll maintain that ambition until the end of the transfer window.

The return of the Curva Nord

We all know that the atmosphere at Mestalla makes a difference and helps you to win games. Anything that helps to combine that desire from the fans for football that we  are able to provide is always going to be positive for Valencia CF. I'm pleased that the club have worked to resolve the situation, and for us, the Grada de Animación and Mestalla as a whole are incredibly important. Playing at Mestalla leaves you with memories that will always last. Last year, in key moments, the fans were essential to us achieving our goal. They gave us moments like the departure of the bus, the welcome back, and the escort to the stadium. That motivates a player and imbues him with the greatness of the club we represent.

His trip to Singapore at the end of last season

It was positive. We talked about the present and the future. At that meeting, Ron was introduced as the new CEO of Football, something I consider positive. I'd already worked with him before; he's the person who signed me for West Bromwich Albion. My role is to be a coach, not to sign a CEO or anyone who has anything to do with the club's structure.

Whether he thinks the squad is competitive

As I said before, the squad isn't finalised. We have two weeks ahead of us, and the club are working to meet our needs. LALIGA starts tomorrow, and this group will compete at the highest level.

His reaction to Mosquera leaving and the renewals of Javi Guerra and Tárrega

Renewals happen when both parties have the same interest. Beyond that, there's no possible disappointment. Renewals are very important on a sporting level and in terms of meaning. When you renew players who have recently been at the VCF Academy, players who are important because they help build solid sporting projects and a sense of belonging... The club have made a significant effort to consolidate these contracts and ensure they are carried out.

Evaluating preseason

For me, the players who worked in preseason have done an intense and rigorous job. I liked the group's mentality; I didn't see any complaints or distractions, I saw a sense of commitment. Developing these values is essential because preseason lays the foundation for the season. The players show me, and continue to show me, that they have the desire to continue working for this crest we represent.

Hugo Guillamón and Canós 

I always prepare the squad with the players who will most help us to achieve our goal: To do things well and making our fans enjoy themselves.

Whether he would like Sadiq to return

I'm not talking about any player who isn't part of the club.

Increased pressure this season

Being Valencia CF coach is a demanding profession. You can't live this profession without being demanding. No one can demand anything of me that I won't demand of myself. I know the greatness of this club, the responsibility I have, and nothing changes.

Ron Gourlay’s influence on signings

I signed to be Valencia CF coach, and that's why I came to the club. It's what I am and what I will continue to be: Valencia CF’s coach, with all that entails. My main goal is to get the best performance from the squad I have. That's my obsession and my mentality. From there, as a manager, I give my opinion on various topics, including the squad's composition: profiles, positions... This hasn't changed compared to the previous transfer window.

The experience of the signings

I'm happy with the signings we've had because they've all demonstrated their level and track record; that helps make the team as competitive as possible. We will work with them to achieve their best performance, and they've all come with the commitment and desire to help make Valencia CF a better team.

Fran Pérez's departure

Fran's signing for Rayo Vallecano is now official. He was in the final year of his contract. An offer came in, both the player and the club reached an agreement, and his signing was finalised. To any player who has played for the club, and especially to those who have worked with me, I want to thank them for their trust and effort during this time and wish them the best of luck.

The match against Real Sociedad

The players and staff are eager to start the season in the best possible way at our home, Mestalla. We've been working to ensure the team take a form that allows us to do just that. Real Sociedad have maintained the foundation from previous seasons; they have a new coach who knows the club and their essence, and he hasn't changed his approach. They're going to demand a lot from us; the players know the level of the opposition and that we have to give our all to achieve our objective.

How he is approaching the start of LALIGA

I face it the same way as when I arrived at Valencia CF: with enormous enthusiasm and a great responsibility given how big Valencia CF is. That hasn't changed at all. I see a lot of desire for football, to see this team compete. I sense it on the street, in the stadium... The fans want to see Valencia CF. We like that and we're going to work our hardest to continue nurturing it.

His relationship with Ron Gourlay

I have worked with him before; we met in England. He's a person with a wealth of experience and background. His arrival is positive for Valencia CF.

The goalkeeper situation

With all honesty and sincerity, I've never had a disagreement with a player in the squad. Never. My relationship has always been one of honesty and respect. I'm extremely happy with the level of the goalkeepers: With Cristian, Julen, and Dimitrievski. The level is exceptional, and my goalkeeping coach is delighted. That's positive.