Corberán: “It’s going to be a demanding game”

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán gave a pre-match press conference before Tuesday’s game against Real Betis at Mestalla.

The role of VCF Academy Players with the first team

“All matches have specific needs, and our decisions reflect those needs. I'm delighted to have players from the VCF Academy helping the team. We need to pay attention to the academy and work hard with them so that these players are ready to handle those minutes effectively. Working with the academy is something that must continue, and taking another step forward is another objective we have and want to improve as a club.”

Injuries and arrivals

“De Haas is undergoing tests; it doesn't seem to be a simple sprain that he has. I can't yet say the extent of the injury. Rioja has trained with the team and should be available tomorrow.”

The fixture list

“Our situation is absolutely incomprehensible. The only team who will be playing one match, then another match two days later, are Valencia CF. We're going to be playing at a disadvantage. Having 24 fewer hours with only two days between games represents a 33% difference in terms of recovery. Add to that the fact that it's August and the first week of competitive action, and it's hard for me to understand. Valencia CF are put at a disadvantage by this.”

Competition between goalkeepers

“Competitiveness in any position is necessary. You need players prepared to start in any circumstance, as was the case last year. Furthermore, to guarantee that the Valencia CF goal is not only covered, but continues to be covered, we must develop the potential of the goalkeepers we have. Fortunately, we have Raúl Jiménez and Vicent Abril, who need to be playing. Vicent playing at a higher level and Raúl getting a year of playing time with VCF Mestalla, is we believe, is a step forward for the club.”

The transfer market

“The club are aware and working to ensure that both defensive and offensive needs are met. My role is the VCF coach, and I've already stated that ideally, we should start by addressing all the needs we believe we have to increase the squad's competitiveness, but what is ideal isn't always possible. However, what is ideal must become a demand. We have to work as if the ideal were possible. It's the transfer market, and it happens to other clubs too.”

Danjuma

“When a player is at Valencia CF, he's available to me. All players have their release clauses, market interest… and the more interest there is in Valencia CF players, the better news for us; it means we have good players. The coach can't pay attention to speculation.”

Real Betis

“We know their level; they’ve been doing things well for a while now. They’re going to play in the Champions League, so it’s going to be a demanding game, and the team will respond to that demand with an absolute desire to win. Real Betis like to move quickly, counter, and have possession.”

Diakhaby’s fitness

“I have no doubt about his level of fitness.”

The game against RC Celta

“In terms of performance, some things were positive, and others need improvement. Our goal is for the team to defend better, but not at the expense of attacking. The team showed great commitment. That’s a good sign. I like seeing the team suffer, showing desire, commitment, and wanting to help each other… those are foundations we always have to maintain, and to that we have to add concepts to improve.”

Gayà's contract

“As of today, he's at Valencia CF. I envision a Valencia CF with Gayà involved. My position regarding him or any other player is to get the best out of them. Our captain is here, and his commitment is above anything I say. He's a club legend and works every day to help the team.”

The atmosphere at Mestalla

“We're always the first ones who have to give our best. The team are eager to have a good game and bring joy to the fans. We all want to win. The demands of Mestalla are always there, and they help us.”

Positions to strengthen

“I've already said that we have both defensive and offensive positions to strengthen. In attack, we need a player who can give us offensive options that increase the range we have today.”

Pepelu

“He already played in that position last year because he gave the impression that he could take a step up there. In that first game against Getafe CF, he showed that his adaptation was immediate. He played so well that you wanted to keep him there. He allows us to play with five defenders, without reducing the team's attacking options. I'm very happy with his performance.”

First halves of seasons

“We’ve only had one full season at Valencia CF. Last year, we didn’t achieve the results we wanted in the first half of the season, but we were committed and gave our best to take a step forward in the second half.”

Self-imposed demands

“You always try to reflect on what you think you need to improve. There are countless things; a coach makes decisions about everything, from staff members and the needs you have to address, to understanding the squad… going into a third season with the same group requires novelty, change, and renewed energy. That was important to do -and we did it.”