Corberán: “I want to see the team committed and competing”

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán talked to the media before the Thursday night Copa del Rey game against FC Barcelona.

The match

“We are going to face it conscious of our priority. We will be competing in the match because we are Valencia CF and want to show that we have learned from the other match against them. Our priority does not mean that we are not competitive. We are Valencia CF, we are in the quarterfinals and we always have the desire to be competitive. That is the same on this occasion.”

The previous match against FC Barcelona

“Those first few minutes were decisive to the result. It was a match that showed where we have to improve in many moments of the game. Without intensity and aggressiveness it is difficult to compete with FC Barcelona. Tomorrow is a day to show that we have learned that, and that we have turned that pain into an improvement.”

Medical reports

“After the last match I said in a press conference that all the players who went off had discomfort, that they all would have a series of medical tests and I understand that the medical report comes out when there is an injury. The discomfort is evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Foulquier underwent tests for discomfort and will not be available tomorrow. With the rest of the players, Hugo Duro is in a similar situation. He has not trained with the group, his discomfort is still present and he is not in the squad for tomorrow. Javi Guerra, Diego López and Enzo have recovered and will be able to play tomorrow.”

Lewandowski and Szczęsny

“FC Barcelona have a squad with very good players. It is difficult to single out one from the rest. Their careers speak for themselves. They are important players and, like everyone else, we take them into consideration.”

Rotations

“More than rotations, we are clear about the resources available. I have a squad of 22 outfield players, plus goalkeepers, and I am going to use those players depending on how they do in the games and the immediacy of the next game.”

Diakhaby and Max Aarons

“They have been included in previous squads, because a player comes in it is because he is available to compete. Both are available. The more games Diakhaby plays, the better he will be able to compete and the more games Aarons plays, the better he will adapt.”

Iván Jaime

“He is training normally with his previous club and tomorrow he will be with the group. I expect the same from him as from the players who are here: His maximum commitment to achieve the objective. His main position is as a no.10. Despite his youth, he has already been at a demanding club like FC Porto and his virtue is his versatility. I want mentality, conviction and attitude and I demand that from everyone.”

The transfer market

“I think that a transfer window is never perfect or poor. I am aware of the work that the club have done and the difficulties that appear in the market. My evaluation is balanced and my focus is on optimising the resources we have. Getting the best from each one of us will be the key to achieving the objective. I am very happy with the commitment I see from the players.”

Reinforcements

“You can improve through hard work, and that is my obligation on a daily basis. That is what is down to me. Regarding the transfer market: I made my analysis. The squad has been reinforced with the three players who have come in, the bulk of the group has been kept and I will give my all with them. I want the maximum from them, and I’m seeing it. Achieving the objective or not will depend on that degree of intensity and continuous improvement. The Sporting Director has done a job covering the needs we had. It is essential to have two players in each position. I have mentioned 3 defensive midfielders and 1 offensive midfielder. When that isn’t perfect, my job is to be creative to find solutions, and to avoid the duplication of profiles. No player is ever the same as another. The key is that Hugo Guillamón, Pepelu, Enzo or even Almeida can compensate for Javi Guerra's absence at any given moment if he is not there. That is my focus: Finding solutions for competitiveness. I continue to work with the VCF Academy because in difficult situations it is key, and it will continue to be important. I want them to work to be in a position to help and continue to improve every day.”

Team

“The squad had a lot of desire and were eager to redeem themselves against Celta Vigo. The players care a lot about achieving the objective and, to do so, we have to continue improving. We will also have that desire for tomorrow's match. I want to see the best version of the players who are going to compete tomorrow. I would only take a victory. I want to see a team that gives its all and competes, a good Valencia CF.”

The improvement from the team

“I’m delighted with the attitude of the squad. It is important that we all experience the game and the profession in the same way. This improvement is part of the culture of Valencia CF, as well as dedication, intensity and passion. We have to continue improving in terms of maturity.”

Rafa Mir and Almeida

“My job is to coach and get the most out of the players. I hope to see the best from Rafa Mir. I know how good a footballer he can be and how eager he is to show it. Almeida is a player with tremendous commitment. I’m not surprised by the interest from other clubs. I have a lot of confidence in him and in what he can give us.”