Corberán: "It’s a very important match, and we approach it with commitment, responsibility, and respect" 

Valencia CF head coach, Carlos Corberán, addressed the media in a press conference ahead of matchday 27 of LALIGA EA SPORTS 24-25, which will take place on Saturday, March 8, at 18:30, against Real Valladolid CF at Mestalla.

Kiat Lim’s visit

"He had a brief, cordial meeting with the new president. He expressed his full confidence in the team, all the staff members, and in achieving our goal. He also reaffirmed his belief in the autonomy we are given to focus on our work and fully develop it. I appreciate his presence, trust, and respect for that autonomy, allowing us to carry out our work. This wasn’t my first conversation with Kiat, but it was our first in-person meeting, which helps strengthen trust, listen, and talk. It was a brief meeting, at a time when the most important thing is what’s in front of us—our work, preparing each match. I don’t think it was the right moment to discuss broader topics beyond our current situation. In terms of communication, I will maintain the contact I have with Solís and Corona, who are the people I have spoken with since my arrival at the Club and with whom I have addressed important matters regarding my work."

Presidency change

"I don’t evaluate the impact of changes because they have just happened. He was already part of the board; he’s not a new person stepping in as president but someone already involved in the Club. I want to thank Layhoon for her time working here, as I always found her to be a respectful and supportive president, who cared about the Club. I appreciate the time I spent working with her."

The match

"We must approach this match as always, giving it maximum importance to secure the most points possible toward our objective. Our goal is to collect points, and we prepare for each match with great attention to detail. Every game is crucial. I have never approached a match with fear. We treat every game like a final. I face it with the same ambition, desire, and conviction."

Diakhaby

"He has been training normally. That helps him be in better shape to contribute to the team."

A wish

"This is not the time to ask for things. We have the responsibility to give our best and work hard to get Valencia CF back where we all want it to be. From my position, I can contribute through hard work and full commitment, and there will be time later to discuss specific details related to that."

Max Aarons

"It’s impossible to talk about the future. It’s true that his only start came in the Copa, but he is training normally. I see him eager, focused on working, adapting, and improving—that’s what I want."

Real Valladolid CF

"Valladolid may be at the bottom of the table, but we have been there too. I approach this match with the same level of effort, respect, and confidence as any other game."

The situation

"This is a very important match, and we approach it with commitment, responsibility, and respect, fully aware of the opponent and the fact that we need to defend and attack well."

Referee appointment – Pulido Santana

"When it comes to referees, I believe in honesty and professionalism. However, regarding this appointment and this match, I believe—thinking from the referee’s perspective—that it would have been possible to reduce any added pressure by choosing someone else. Pulido Santana is from the Canary Islands Committee, born in Las Palmas. There are 20 referees, 19 available since you can’t have one from your own committee or that of your opponent. There are two referees from the Canary Islands, and the other 17 could have officiated this match. Out of fairness and honesty, I firmly believe that there was no need to appoint a referee from the same regional committee as UD Las Palmas, a direct competitor of Valencia CF in the fight for our objectives."