Corberán: "We want Mestalla to continue being a tough ground for Real Madrid"

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán looked ahead to the game against Real Madrid in his pre-match press conference.

Managing the team's morale

We're focused on tomorrow's game. Coming off a Copa del Rey game we were really excited about means we have to handle things with the obligation to put that feeling of disappointment behind us.

The need to win

We don't feel pressure, we feel responsibility, and a desire to achieve positive results. From day one, I've felt tremendous support, and I reciprocate that with commitment, passion, and dedication. When we get results, we're satisfied; when we don't, we work to turn things around and transform that frustration into results.

Foulquier

The club make the decisions; I always give my opinion. I'm not the sporting director or the manager. We want to get the best out of Foulquier. We all know the demands of Valencia CF, and we must use those demands to bring out the best in him. In terms of a contract renewal for him: My opinion always remains private, and I don't express it publicly.

Words of support from Ron Gourlay

I'm grateful that the club have believed in me, in my staying on. Above all, I'm committed to the responsibility of the high-pressure situations I have to face since arriving here.

Rubén Iranzo

He's having tests today. Hopefully, the injury is as minor as possible. He's always been a great help to us. We're waiting on the results.

Real Madrid's absences

Any coach knows the level of the opposition they're facing, regardless of any individual absences. A player in their squad who isn't playing is probably just as good as the one who is. We're eager to bring joy to the fans, to share our passion with them on the pitch. We must be able to persevere, to resist, and to keep pushing forward, using our strengths.

Whether this is "the biggest game of the year"

Every game we play should be the biggest game of the year; that's how we see it. The Real Betis game was the most important one we had at the time. The Athletic Club game too. And now the Real Madrid game. When this one is over, there won't be a more important game than the Levante UD game. We also expect a full house at Mestalla. Luckily, the support of our fans is constant, no matter the match. Our opponents experience that when they come to Mestalla.

Differences between Xabi Alonso's and Arbeloa's Real Madrid

You can always see nuances that differentiate coaches, but the essence is the same: Dynamism, speed, transition, attacking… they are an extremely dangerous team in open spaces and on the counter-attack. That's part of their game and their identity. For me, with Arbeloa -even though he hasn't been there long-, there are nuances in defensive organisation in their own half that make the team a little different to before. They are a team that, in addition to pressing, are capable of defending with a structured formation in their own half.

Extra motivation for the players

The doubts and questions are something from outside -not from within the team. We don't doubt Real Madrid's talent; we are aware of the demands of this match. We want Mestalla to continue being a difficult and uncomfortable ground for Real Madrid to come to. It's down to our desire, to what we show. It's a ground where the more you give, the more you get back.

Goals conceded in the final minutes

In the last 10-15 days, we've experienced completely opposite situations: From winning a match in stoppage time against RCD Espanyol, to losing two games with late goals. That's part of the competitive awareness and maturity we need as a team, even though minutes played and fatigue do take their toll.

Whether he would resign if results don't come

I can't answer that question, but what I will talk about is how I'm preparing for the match against Real Madrid.

Unai Núñez

He came here expecting to be an option for us, like anyone else, and to help out. He's training well, and when his time comes, he'll play. Everyone is at a good, similar level. We're happy with the performance of players like Cömert in that position as well.

Foulquier's fitness

We're without Iranzo. These aren't pleasant situations when you feel that pressure, but it's part of the identity of a great club, and we have to meet that pressure in order to improve. We're working to improve our performance, and I have no doubt that Foulquier is working hard and trying to be fit. He has some discomfort, but right now he's the full-back we have ready to compete.