Corberán: “It was important to get the win and show people that we felt the match was special”

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán spoke to the media following his side’s win in the derby against Levante UD.

A potential turning point

“It’s very difficult for me to talk about the future. It’s very easy to do so, but unrealistic at the same time. It was important that the team competed as they have from the beginning, with the determination they showed in the game. The result was important, and it was important to convey to the fans that we felt the match was important and special. That’s what we wanted: to show that feeling we have, and we were able to give the fans something to cheer about because that was what mattered.”

Overexcitement in the derby

“The rivalry we have is clear, and it is what it is. I always approach rivalries with the utmost respect because it’s great to play these kinds of matches. The team came off a week where we had lost two games in seven days. That made the team feel like they needed to win. The emotional aspect of the match was high. The start was good, then we struggled to push Levante UD back into their half, and in the second half, little by little, the team managed the game better, reducing their chances and increasing our opportunities.”

Victory

“We needed it because today’s points were crucial. The important thing isn’t Carlos Corberán, it’s Valencia CF. Being able to get the three points was extremely important. Last year I already said it was a marathon, a question of resilience, and that’s exactly what we’re having. We must fight in every match. The team have a competitive attitude that I’m really enjoying.”

The second half

“We had to understand the game. Levante UD’s pressure was good, we made an adjustment to our setup, and in the second half, we found Ramazani better and started looking for passes to advance the ball upfield, which is what we wanted. The team competed well from the start. The attitude and intensity were very good from the first half onwards.”

Substitutions

“Changes have an element of reality and an element of chance. Sometimes what we want and intend works, and the player comes on and finds a way to get into the game and contribute. Then there are times when it's difficult, when it's hard to change things from the bench. The important thing is the mentality and the motivation they bring when they come on. Sometimes that works, and they are responsible when they do. Sometimes they don't, and the coach is always responsible when they don't; it's part of the profession, and that's how I see it.”

Thierry and Danjuma

“The decision not to play Thierry or Danjuma has a preventative aspect. When Thierry had a scan, there was no hamstring injury, but there was edema around it. That's why the decision was made not to risk him. We believe he'll be ready for next week. Danjuma’s situation is similar, but the scan did show an injury. The feeling is better, and we believe we can have him back for next week.”

Cömert and Unai Núñez

“The three centre-backs we played with in a back four had a very solid game. They were very focused because we're aware of the opposing team's ability to transition and also aware of their own ability to control the game in their back line. I thought all three of them played very well.”

Ausencia de Diego López

“Ayer, en una acción de finalización, se torció la rodilla golpeando al balón, parecía una molestia y hoy ha aumentado esa molestia”.

The absence of Diego López

“Yesterday, during a finishing drill, he twisted his knee while striking the ball. It seemed like a minor injury, and today that injury worsened.”

Tension after the final whistle

“I went straight to the dressing room and didn't see it. I apologize on behalf of Valencia CF because there's a lot of tension in these matches, and sometimes that tension is expressed in that way or in a misguided manner. We have a lot of respect for a club like Levante, and we didn't intend to show any disrespect.”

Pepelu

“We knew that the rivalry would be expressed in the match, both because of the inherent rivalry between the clubs and because Pepelu was a former Levante UD player. We knew those moments would happen. The player was aware of it. These are such tense moments that they help you grow as a player.”