Corberán: "Playing against an in-form side only increases our level of demand" | OneFootball

Valencia CF coach Carlos Corberán talked to the media this Thursday, in a press conference ahead of the LALIGA Matchday 3 match against Getafe CF.

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Sergi Canós’ post on social media, denying that he had criticised the club or leaked information

I respect any opinion that a player might have. If he's posted that, it's because he understands that to be the case, and I have nothing to add. I've never had any problems with any player in the squad. Everyone has behaved professionally. I believe in honesty. When people say things honestly, we may like it or not, but it helps to make decisions.

Possible signings in midfield

I mentioned that, from a numerical perspective, we needed two players to come in. The club are working to complete the signing of Largie Ramazani today, and we're lacking someone in the centre forward position. We have two forwards, and Danjuma can alternate between that position and a spot on the left wing. It doesn't make sense to talk about players who aren't at the club. I understand that you are all aware that negotiations are taking place in the transfer market -not just with one player but with several options. I have nothing more to add. When something is finalised, then we'll talk about a player. It's true that we're working on signing a centre forward.

A possible change to three centre backs

We always want to manage the team's formation and structure based on the opposition we’re facing, so that the team's identity comes through. The most important thing isn't the formation, but rather our identity. It has to be solid and aggressive, with control and progression. Sometimes a formation helps you achieve that. We analyse each match we're going to play, and try to make the best decisions based on the game and the opposition.

Jesús Vázquez

Having a competitive squad means having more than one player who can play in a given position, so that you have alternatives that ensure your level of performance remains the same and the team continue to showcase those values and that identity. Tomorrow will be Jesús's turn to play, and we're fully confident he'll put in a good performance.

Getafe CF’s form

Without a doubt, they're a team in form, having managed to win two away games at two difficult grounds. That only happens when there's a good coach and good players in place. I don't see any substitutions a coach makes during the match as being that important, but with a good team and a good coaching staff, it might have an impact. Playing against in-form opposition only increases our level of demand. We're clear that they're a competitive side, but we're focused on what we're capable of doing. The team are eager to compete.

What Ramazani can bring to the table

When the club talked to me about signing this player being a possibility, I knew that he's versatile; he can play on the right or the left. He has speed, can receive the ball with his feet, and depending on which side he plays, he can also run at space. He allows you to stretch the play and get in behind the opposing team. I'll view the signing as a positive if it goes through, and as good work by the club in finding talents with the goal of building the most competitive squad.

The team’s approach to the game

The team seem eager to get started. For us, there's no greater satisfaction than giving the fans something to cheer about. I see the team as being mentally prepared to give everything, and we want the result to come from what we do on the pitch. We want to do a lot. As for injuries in the squad: Thierry is still recovering, Gayà is suspended, and André Almeida and Ugrinic didn't train today, so it's going to be difficult for them to be with the team tomorrow.

Santamaría’s chances of making the starting lineup

I consider all my players as possibilities, because they have the level to help the team from the start to the end of the match. The analysis we do is watching the previous game, looking at the progression made during the week, and analysing the opponents. When we do that continuously, we make the decision that we believe will help us the most to achieve our objective.

The importance of the game

Every game we face is of the utmost importance. Tomorrow's is the one we have in mind now, it's the one we are facing, the one we've prepared for, and we're counting down the hours to get onto the pitch. We want to show our fans how much we care, how much we want this victory, and for it to be a result of Valencia CF's dedication, effort, and good football.

The situation with Getafe’s Chrisantus Uche

It hasn’t affected the preparations. Uche played the previous two matches and has proven to be a really important player. He was spoken about as a Primera RFEF player, and he's proven to be a top-class talent. When you play against top-level players, that should increase your motivation.

The possibility that Ramazani could play on Friday

We're at the mercy of some bureaucratic matters that are beyond our control.

Any concern over a negative dynamic

I'm not worried; I'm focused on tomorrow's game. It's the one we've studied, worked for, and the one we'll play tomorrow with the utmost ambition and desire.

Dimitrievski’s chances of departing the club

The goalkeeping situation is absolutely normal. I have all three goalkeepers available. For any team to be competitive, you must have at least two starting calibre goalkeepers. We have that, I'm satisfied, and the level of our goalkeepers on a day-to-day basis is absolutely fantastic.

Controlling egos in a squad

Working on egos depends on the players themselves. For me as a coach, it's important to work on the emotional side with the players, to keep their minds focused in the right direction. I don’t want there to be frustration, but rather resilience, motivation, and a desire to do things well.

Preparing for a side without players registered

We prepare by focusing on ourselves. We're the ones who are sure to be there. We must focus on the level we want to show, on being at our best -regardless of who's playing. We want to have the mentality, desire, and motivation to win the game.

The venue for the upcoming game against FC Barcelona

When you're so preoccupied with one thing, you don't think about anything else. I'm only concerned with the game against Getafe CF, on giving my best. The FC Barcelona game venue doesn't depend on me; it depends on LALIGA, it depends on other factors that are beyond my control, and I don't waste an ounce of energy on it.

Preferring the transfer market to be closed at the start of the season

Ideally, all teams would start with a set, defined squad; if that's not the case, it's because it isn’t so easy.

The process of giving Danjuma the number 7 shirt

Throughout my career as a coach, I haven't focused on or been interested in numbers. What interests me is the passion they provide when they wear the shirt. The number on the back doesn’t mean anything. The energy and importance they give playing for the club have to be at the maximum. I leave the numbers to the club, to the players... And for me, the important thing is the dedication, commitment, and performance of the player, regardless of the number on their back.