Corberán: “The game will require the highest level of response and concentration from us”

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán talked ahead of Matchday 32 in LALIGA EA SPORTS. His team play at 2pm on Saturday against Rayo Vallecano at the Estadio de Vallecas.

The match

“Once again, it’s a very demanding match, on a pitch with different dimensions that determine the way the game is played, and against opponents with a very clear identity: They press hard, are aggressive with and without the ball, and have very high energy throughout the match. The level of performance required for this match is enormous. It demands the highest level of response and concentration.”

Sergi Canós

“He scored an important, beautiful goal last time at Vallecas. With him, as with the rest of the squad, I'm working to get the most out of him. The opportunity comes around for everyone, and he's working very hard for when it arrives. We need everyone to be ready to give their all, and I see the whole group working with a huge level of commitment to achieve the objective.”

Vallecas

“The pitch at Vallecas is the narrowest and shortest, and that determines the way you play the game. It also determines the opponent's style, as they look to make you as uncomfortable as possible. They're one of the teams with the most intensity, with the most sprints in LALIGA. Explosiveness over distance is their biggest strength. The match is going to be fast-paced and frenetic.”

Motivation in the dressing room

“Our objective hasn't changed. It would be a mistake to think so. Talking about new goals when the first ones haven't been achieved is unrealistic, counterproductive, and foolish. The group's maturity remains intact.”

The kickoff time

“You have to adapt to the schedule, and that affects the breakfast protocol, the team meeting… The group always train in the morning, and I understand that the temperature and the habits from training in the morning will be similar to what happens for the game tomorrow.”

Sadiq

“I'm not worried about the forwards on my team. I have three extraordinary forwards. The level worries me when I don't see the level of performance or hard work, not when they don’t score. A goal isn't the only thing a forward does on the pitch. In every game, they've shown a lot of dedication and hard work.”

The group

“We have to focus on what depends on us. I believe in common sense. I highly value the work that goes into every point the team earn. Everyone puts in many hours of dedication. I'm happy because the group are focused on the task at hand. Our goal is to make the fans happy."

Support from the fans

“We have to give our all in every game, in order to achieve the objective and for the fans to identify with the team, regaining a sense of belonging and pride in how the team compete.”

Positive results

“I perceive, feel, and know that behind every result there is hard work. Without hard work and effort, it's impossible to achieve results. I value all the dedication of the players. It's a lot of hours; it's our job, our duty, and our responsibility. I strongly believe in hard work and commitment. I see a mature, focused group here, aware of how much everything we achieve takes, and eager to continue like this.”