Corberán: “We didn't manage to play the game we wanted to play” 

Following Valencia CF’s 0-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid at Mestalla, coach Carlos Corberán spoke to the media in his post-match press conference.

Match analysis

“It was a poor showing, and that sums it up. We weren't able to play the way we wanted. Atletico Madrid did. We lacked attacking fluidity and the ability to create scoring opportunities. Atletico Madrid created chances and pressed us very closely. Our only opportunity was a shot off the post by Ramazani. In the opening minutes of the second half, we started with more control of play, but we weren't able to maintain it and hurt our opponents. Then we faded as the minutes ticked by.”

The tactical display

“I think Atletico de Madrid outplayed us and outmatched us in terms of skill. They created a lot of problems for us by marking us closely. We played balls too long and didn’t do enough to exploit the space. I think it was a tactical problem, a lack of understanding of the game, not a lack of attitude from the players. There are times when you have to be able to manage the tension of the situation to be able to focus on the game and play better. That didn't happen today, and the opposition outplayed us.”

The atmosphere in the stadium

“I don't feel any difficulty. I understand the frustration. The responsibility always lies with the coach, and as the one in charge, I look for ways to defend better, how to attack better, to turn the atmosphere around, to generate positive things, and today it wasn't possible.”

Fan frustration

“I understand the fans’ frustration, and I understand that it has to be directed at the person ultimately responsible for what happens in the game, which is me. I understand that this is part of the job. The biggest disappointment isn’t hearing the chants; it’s not giving the fans the style of play and the results we want. I’m focused on figuring out how to deliver what we do want.”

Getting more points

“My message hasn’t changed. I said that 39 points wouldn’t be enough. I’m not changing my tune now. I wish we had played a better game today that would have allowed us to get more points, but 39 points aren’t going to be enough. We have to get more points.”

Key takeaways from the match

“I don’t think it’s a question of the players not doing what I ask. It’s a question of understanding the game. Atletico Madrid pressed us a lot, and we couldn’t find a way to overcome their press. When we did overcome it, we couldn’t find a way to hurt them. When they broke through our press, they managed to get closer and create scoring opportunities. It’s not a question of understanding. This is football. Sometimes what you do overcomes the opponent, and other times what the opponent does overcomes you.”

The important thing being Valencia CF

“I always focus on analysing the matches. The important thing isn’t Carlos Corberán; the important thing is Valencia CF.”

Second half changes

“We wanted to attack the left flank with different options. We felt that Jesús Vazquez's energy could give us attacking opportunities, as could Danjuma's ability to break through defences, but we conceded a goal off our first attack. From then on, the team managed to create more attacking opportunities down the left, but it's true that we conceded a goal in the same area where we made the substitution.”

Raba's substitution

“With two strikers on the pitch, I thought it was important to have a player on the right wing playing inverted, especially considering we were playing Diego at fullback to give us width. Raba is a player who, against a deep-lying team, has that final pass and can create crosses. With two strikers, that's what I was looking for, trying to take advantage of the opportunities he could provide.”