Corberán: “The strength of Mestalla is awesome”

Valencia CF coach, Carlos Corberán, talked to the media ahead of Sunday night’s LaLiga game against Real Sociedad at Mestalla.

Sadiq

“He has not been able to complete the training session. He has some discomfort in the back of his knee that prevented him from training normally. The decision is firstly to do with his availability, and then his contractual status. The first thing is availability. We have 48 hours before the match to see how he does. My wish is always to be able to call up the largest number of players that will allow us to be as competitive as possible.”

Injured players

“Gayà has been able to train with limitations, as he is still suffering from the consequences of the knock he took. We’ll see how he comes along. I would like to emphasise that he has such a great mentality that it seems possible for him to overcome limitations that other players could not. If he does not play it is because it is impossible, because his mentality compensates for any knock or limitation he has. Fran Pérez has joined training this week. Today, he completed the session. If he trains normally tomorrow, he will be in the squad. I have seen a player with enormous commitment in him. Rioja trained today and the feeling is positive.”

Max Aarons

“He came here after playing the day before -or two days before- he joined. That is always positive. I see him eager to help, with the necessary mentality to adapt and with a lot of enthusiasm. If he trains normally tomorrow, he will be in the squad.”

The transfer market

“My objective is to work with the bulk of the squad I have. At the same time, the club are working in the transfer market to evaluate all possible options, with the aim of improving the team. I focus on getting the most out of the players in the squad.”

Caufriez and Valera

“I have private conversations with every player about their role.”

Attacking reinforcements

“In attack, the team have to continue growing and build better attacking moves. I see the team evolving and the players taking on a lot of responsibility.”

Veterans

“At a time like this, if there are signings, I want players with the necessary mentality to help the team, with dedication and commitment, who understand what this club means and can give their best. That does not always depend on age.”

VCF Academy

“There are clubs that give higher or lower value to their academy. The VCF Academy is one of the most important in Spain. From the outside I was aware that they were working well and from the inside I am even more aware. My obligation is to see the development of the young players. In this initial assessment I have seen very interesting players with the ability to respond with the first team.”

Identity

“In football, implementing a model of play never has an end, because one always has to look for things to improve. I see it as a challenge that has to activate us to grow as much as possible. The style has to help us be more competitive in the games. Hence the importance of developing our identity. The more we understand the game and share our ambition and a feeling of bravery on the pitch, the more identity we have as a group and the more chance we have of getting closer to the objective we have.”

The match against Real Sociedad

“I am very clear that the strength and power of Mestalla is enormous. Every game we play, we have to transmit that to the opposition. They know that playing at Mestalla is difficult. They know the strength and power that it has. We have to activate ourselves and give our all to make it happen.”

“I expect a very competitive match against a team who do things very well. But I am focused on my team. We have grown and the players have felt that they can compete in games, and that they are prepared.”

Arrival at Valencia CF

“I came here with the objective of getting the maximum performance level from the players, and I also came with the responsibility of constantly giving my opinion and informing the sports management about what I feel is the development of the squad. I have daily and fluid communication with them. All the steps that have to be taken to do things as I believe they have to be done are being fulfilled.”