Corberán: “We’re facing Real Betis with motivation and responsibility”

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán talked to the media in a press conference ahead of LaLiga Matchday 38, which sees the team round off their campaign against Real Betis.

Planning for the 2025/26 season

“This season isn't over yet. We're not on our holidays yet. I, as Valencia CF coach, am only thinking about preparing for the game against Betis. Discretion is essential in my line of work. There are always conversations that affect the future, but I keep them private because discretion is essential to be able to carry out any plan that may emerge.”

Players out for the game

“The only player missing is Sergi Canós, who underwent surgery for a problem he had been experiencing.”

The game against Real Betis

“We're approaching this with motivation and responsibility. The squad aren’t on holiday yet. There's always something at stake in a LALIGA match. You always have the need to evaluate aspects of the game and individual performances to ensure that the decisions are always the best possible for Valencia CF.”

Real Betis

“They're a very complete side. They’re the sixth-best team in Spanish football. They've achieved this whilst all the while being immersed in a European competition and reaching the final of it. Their coach's track record speaks for itself, and they have a squad full of players who can change games.”

Last weekend’s result against Athletic Club

“If I didn't seem satisfied, it's because I wasn't. When the result isn't what you wanted, you can’t be satisfied. In recent games, we've faced opponents against whom we've struggled to impose the team's offensive play. We've analysed the match, we've seen what we did well, what we should have done better, and we want to be able to impose those responses and find a way to end the season on a high note.”

Maintaining a block of players for the 2025/26 campaign

“What I want is for Valencia CF to continue growing, and that is a must. We have to do things to get the most competitive squad we can, and our goal will always be to be demanding in that process to improve things.”

Improving the squad 

“That's the goal we must have, and the club are working on it. I know the club are working on it. From there, the responsibility and desire is to always make Valencia CF better; that’s how I see it. Valencia CF, in line with the budget we have, will produce the best squad possible. The club have created a job that allows me to focus on the sporting aspect. There are always conversations held in private that affect the future of the club. I'm not the one who sets the budget. As soon as it's established, Valencia CF have the obligation to optimise our given budget, seeking the best options to make the squad as competitive as possible. Resources don't always equate to greater potential. There's creativity, possibilities, and the transfer market involved.”

The transfer market

“Not everything that isn't perfect is the result of resignation. If we understand that there are ideal circumstances, I and 100% of elite coaches want to have the squad ready to work on the first day of preseason. But there isn't a single football club where that happens. That's the ideal, but it’s not realistic. The transfer market starts on one date and ends on another, and things fluctuate.”

Objectives for 2025/26

“The responsibility we have is to build the best squad with the resources we have. That's my honest answer.”

The squad

“In this second half of the season, when the team's results have improved, the performances help you have a path to follow. When you achieve good performance, you have to look at why that is, and that gives you a direction or a plan. The team have shown that with certain positions, certain elements per position, they can achieve good results. You have to take stock of the good things we've done and the things we've lacked.”