Corberán: "I see a good attitude to achieve a better dynamic"

Carlos Corberán gave the coach's view on the LaLiga Matchday 8 game against Girona FC on Saturday afternoon. 

His comments after the loss to Real Oviedo

I was very surprised that people said I’d singled out players, because it's not my style to do that, among other things, because I don't believe in that. I tried to do a detailed analysis of the situations that created discord in the game. You can do it ambiguously or specifically. It was understood by some people to be a criticism, and I don't share that because it wasn't my intention. When there's a poor performance or result, I'm always the one who is primarily responsible. We're all aware that we have to improve; we must accept it and we take responsibility.

Lacking consistency after taking the lead

Our goal is to bring consistency and continuity to our play. We all take responsibility for that. We want to extend the team's good spells and learn to be able to hold on. It's part of the game, part of our improvement, and part of the step forward we have to take as a team.

Gayà and Foulquier’s condition

There are players who didn't train yesterday, Foulquier continued to feel discomfort today. Gayà couldn't train after the last match due to an injury and muscle strain, but he did train today. Ugrinic had discomfort in his knee today, so we have to see how he progresses; he has a problem with his patellar tendon.

Possible changes to the starting lineup

We have to see how each player is performing, analyse the opposition, and make decisions to compete better. We all have to do more.

Dealing with the debate about whether players were singled out

When you don't intend to point the finger at somebody, you can't be aware that the matter has arisen. When I became aware of it, I met with those who had been mentioned, and everyone knows that it's not my style. We have the honesty and trust amongst the group to discuss it. That's the healthy relationship we have, based on honesty and privacy. Giving details about a situation in a game isn't criticising anyone. It was more of a collective situation than an individual one. When the team don't play well, I'm the first person to take responsibility; that's my feeling. I'm the first to take on that demand and that criticism.

What the team are lacking compared to last season

Analysis and comparisons are misplaced. We need to take a step forward in terms of consistency in our play. We must extend the team's good spells, and in difficult moments, any opponents can create opportunities. We need to adapt and find the answer to continue growing as a team.

What happened against Real Oviedo

For me, the match against Real Oviedo requires descriptive analysis, and I'm going to do that at a general level. It was a good first fifteen minutes, in which we dominated, and we managed to go in front. Afterwards, we struggled to interpret and take the game to a level where we could make a difference against the opponents. The game became more evenly balanced; we didn't finish the first half well or start the second half well. From the 56th minute to the 83rd minute, Valencia CF gradually took control of the game, creating several chances and a penalty. We regained control, conceded a goal from a corner, and went all out to try to turn the tide, and in that transition, Real Oviedo turned the scoreline around. I saw an attitude worthy of what the squad represent. The team didn't give up; the blow we suffered was very hard, but they responded with intensity. The substitutions were effective, and we tried to create opportunities, but we couldn't achieve them.

Thierry Correia being ready to start 

Of course he is.

Varying the starting lineup

We have a very balanced squad; many of the players are versatile, and it will be difficult for you to see the same starting lineup across several consecutive games because you can rotate those players around. It allows you to look at how each player is performing to create the most competitive starting lineup.

Any need for someone else from the club to come out and explain a situation

I focus on the communications I have with you journalists. I have great respect for your work. I answer with the utmost sincerity and honesty. We are aware that rumours can arise in defeat, and I come here with absolute sincerity and calmness to explain the situations that arise.

The coach’s influence

The coach's influence will always be there; when things are going well and when they go wrong. If you talk to me about set pieces, you can make the decision to defend zonally or man-to-man. Balance in the relationship with marking is important. As a coaching staff, we always analyse things to make the best possible decisions. You can play with the full-backs narrower to play more open because you gain an advantage in one-on-one opportunities, and it gives you more possibilities instead of closing down more. As a team, we have more opportunities than last season. These aren't new things; we work to take advantage of the players' qualities.

Whistles for Gayà

I've never seen any intention of criticising the fans. I can publicly acknowledge that José's level of affection for this club and what it represents couldn't be greater. He's a hugely important player for us, and for this institution as well.

Problems reflecting the work done during the week in games

I haven't said that Valencia CF aren't the same as during training. During the game against FC Barcelona, we didn't play well; that increased with the minutes that went by; we couldn't compete, and that's why we got the result we did. When we're outclassed by our opponents, we constantly look for solutions, as we've done in other games. When you face a team that do something different than what you usually face, it's harder for you. That happens to all teams. Sometimes you rush, force an attack, lose your advantage, and balance the match. It requires adjustments, and both the coaching staff and the squad are all aligned with the demands placed on Valencia CF. We're going to look for improvements. I see a very good attitude toward building a better dynamic. This is the way to achieve it. I see a step forward in terms of mentality.

Possible tension in the dressing room

I always like to answer with absolute honesty. The unity in the dressing room is tremendous. They are aware of the demands of being at Valencia CF and eager to give their all for the fans. We're conscious and dedicated to giving our best for the fans, and I see every opportunity for Valencia CF to continue growing. We don't control external debates. There is great commitment. There are games where we haven't competed as we should. I don't see excuses; I see responsibility. I see the team eager to compete against Girona FC.

How the team recovered mentally after the setback against Real Oviedo

The first step was taken by the team in the minutes following the game. They picked themselves up and responded with maturity and determination to seek the result they wanted. I saw them close out the match in the same way we want to compete against Girona FC.

The team’s identity

The identity of the game and the team are two different aspects. For us, having an identity in our play is vital. When we don't achieve that, we analyse it. The competitive identity, the effort and the commitment are there. Separating them is difficult because the emotional aspect influences the tactical aspect, and vice versa. When the team don't achieve things, they demand more. We're at that stage. We've always aimed to be a dominant team when we can be, one that takes advantage of positional attacks, are aggressive and also take advantage of transitions, who go into the opponent's half to recover the ball. That identity has to help us win games.

A message from the club to the coach or players about the objective

It's a different matter if the objective I set doesn't satisfy someone. The goal is to be competitive in every game. We haven't always achieved the objective we set for ourselves yet, which is why we haven't always gotten the results we want.

Questions about his position

I'm tremendously proud to be the coach of Valencia CF. My level of commitment couldn't be higher. When things go well, we'll try to persist, and when things go wrong, we'll take responsibility for improving.

Little talk about the game

My focus, and that of the squad, is absolutely on tomorrow's game. I'll come here and answer your questions honestly, because I don't want the fans to think something that doesn't exist at Valencia CF. I'll answer you honestly about the situations we're experiencing, even if they're interpreted differently. But just so the fans know: the team are dedicated and committed. We've analysed the opponents and are approaching the game with the desire to achieve the best result. If we're talking about Girona FC, their results aren't up to par with what they're capable of and the squad they have. We can't draw conclusions, only look at which teams have started with better or worse momentum. They have more strengths and resources than points earned.

Penalty takers

I don't want to say anything that might help the opposition. But I can tell you that in every game, we know who the penalty taker is.