Corberán: "Playing at Mestalla is great news"

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán spoke on Friday ahead of Valencia CF's next fixture, which takes place against Girona FC.

The atmosphere at Mestalla

The support at Mestalla is always as great as possible; them having the highest fan loyalty rate in LaLiga, according to statistics, is a prime example. Every game is a sell-out. For us, playing at Mestalla is always good news. The Valencia CF fans give you everything and demand everything from you -we know that. That demand is good for us. In every game, like the last one, for example, Mestalla didn't stop cheering for a single second. That's not something you get for free. We have to give our all and live up to expectations. The fans are very important.

Unai Núñez 

Unai has completed the last two training sessions; they were short sessions, but he's available for the team. We'll see what the lineup is tomorrow.

Players out injured

We have to see how Thierry’s injury recovery progresses; it could be around three weeks that he’s out. Sometimes the recovery time can be shorter or it can be extended for up to four weeks. This injury comes at a bad time because we're in the final stretch of the season. It's a shame, but there's no other option but to step up. That's why the group is so important; when one player isn't available, another player steps up. That's the commitment we have.

Treating the game as a final

We approach every match like this. We're aware of the demands of the situation, and we're focused on ourselves, on playing the best game possible. It's a situation where we want and need to get points. Our focus is on what we have to do on the pitch to achieve that.

Thierry having possibly played his last match for Valencia CF 

There are future situations that are impossible to predict. We're focused on the present. It's a shame to lose any member of the squad. We have to focus on those of us who are here, on taking steps forward and competing as a team and as a strong group: we're all ready.

The most important match of the season

I'd say that it is, just like every other match. I understand the question; it's very important. Our place in the table is the context gives it even more importance.

Deserving more points this season

I was referring more to the Elche CF match when I said that, more than any other assessment. That answer I gave was related to that match. We deserved more points than we got. The numbers are there. The numbers give us the feeling that we have to do more, they can be improved, and that's what we're thinking about to increase the points we get.

The VAR referee being the same as in the match against Mallorca.

We absolutely believe in the honesty and good work of the referees. There's a confusion that affects Valencia CF and everyone: the spectators, the players, everyone involved in this world. We would all like more clarity, more objectivity, less interpretation, less ambiguity. When are actions considered minor? The players, staff, etc., would benefit from more objectivity and clarity. We need to better clarify certain actions to know if a contact is minor or reckless and to know why it's a penalty or not.

The team's evolution

Assessments should be made when a season ends. The points we have are improvable; we need to increase our points total and win matches, and to do that, we must do things better. Seasons are never linear; they fluctuate. I wish we had achieved better results, but this is the situation we're in, and we have to face it. We have to demonstrate our identity, take steps forward in each match, regardless of what the opponent does, and let our desire and our will prevail.

Feeling understood by the squad

I feel the same receptiveness and the same commitment. I have conversations with the players; we had a very important and positive discussion before the last match. I see that there is commitment, involvement, and the players' attention to detail on a daily basis is very high, and hopefully, we can capitalise on all of that to have a great match against Girona FC.

The end of the season

The Valencia CF coach is looking at his team, the players' desire, and the next match. I place great value on the next game. We're coming off a recent match where we lacked the consistency we should have had, but the team didn't give up in a difficult moment, showing a lot of character and personality. At this point in the season, with only a few games left, that's key. It's vital. The team are alive and capable of rising to the challenge. The fact that they've done it before, but that they're doing it again, is a very positive sign.

LALIGA being very competitive

What we're seeing is a league where details tip the scales one way or the other. Small margins are deciding games in favour of one team or the other. We have to do everything to make it work in our favour: have intensity, concentration, energy, organisation. All of that together is very important so that in very close and hard-fought matches, the outcome goes our way.

Analysis of Girona FC

They're a team that will demand a lot from us, both physically and mentally. They are a side very comfortable with the ball, and they overcome pressure and extend their attacks considerably. We have to deal with that. I think the challenge is physical and mental. The team are aware of this and we are prepared; we are playing with the support of our fans. In a difficult moment, having the support of our fans is very important.

The team’s improvement

In April, if you don't have the necessary points to secure your place in the league, it's because there has been a challenge. We must extend our good spells and reduce the bad ones; that brings you closer to achieving results. When we don't achieve that, it's a shortcoming we have.

Keeping players fresh

All the players are important to me. Every single one. They all have qualities that make them deserve to be at this club. We have a large squad. My work is judged by the results. We analyse every match, fielding the starting XI we believe will help us get off to a good start in a game. I give the same importance to those who start as to those who end the game. In the last match, the players who came off the bench made a fundamental contribution. Depending on the results, consistency, or reactions, different analyses are given. Then, during the match, circumstances arise.

Players from the VCF Academy

There's great potential in the VCF Academy. In the coming years, we're going to see very promising players who I’m sure will help the first team. Whether or not we call up players from the VCF Academy depends on the circumstances. There are times when there are more opportunities, times when there are fewer. We have complete confidence in the work being done. In the coming years, Valencia CF will have players with a potential that inspires optimism.

Pepelu's role

For me, players don't disappear. They're always there, ready to contribute when needed. Pepelu never lost his place in the starting XI due to poor performances. Guido earned his place on merit. If I had decided to play with two defensive midfielders, they would have both played together, but we've maintained the consistency of playing with a defensive midfielder and a central midfielder. We have two central midfielders in Javi Guerra and Ugrinic, we have two defensive midfielders in Pepelu and Guido, and we also have Santamaría, who is a more versatile player.

Meeting with the squad

It was very positive. Ron Gourlay's support has been constant since he arrived. Communication is fluid. Right now, we all have a very clear understanding of the situation we're in and what we need to do to get out of it. The support and clarity are welcome. We're all very aware and focused. That's the most important thing.

Renzo Saravia

We're focused on each match. It wasn't an easy game for him this week; he played perhaps more minutes than expected due to Thierry’s injury. He has a competitive personality and character that helped him compensate for his lack of playing time. I'm sure he'll earn his place in the starting lineup in the upcoming games.