Corberán: “We’re treating this game like a final” | OneFootball

The atmosphere at Mestalla

Without a doubt, we expect a very special atmosphere. It's a huge game, and Mestalla always responds to that.

The Copa del Rey being a high point of the season

It's not the only exciting moment of the season, but this is a game with maximum motivation. We want to get into the semifinals; it's an all-or-nothing game, a final. If we win, we're in the semifinals, and that's how we're going to approach it.

Álvaro Arbeloa's comments about Valencia CF

Without a doubt, right now the most important game we have is against Athletic. We know the history and tradition of both teams in the Copa del Rey. We've been giving it a lot of importance up to now, and we're going to give it that same importance tomorrow.

His analysis of Athletic Club

They are very competitive side. They've played in Europe, which speaks of the stature of the club and the squad. I'm focused on Valencia CF, on our motivation, on our desire to bring joy to the fans and to get into the next round. That's the spirit we're going to keep up, and that will guide us.

Eagerness to improve after the transfer activity

I don't work thinking about excuses; the goal is to make Valencia CF as competitive as possible. Our objective is to reach the Copa del Rey semifinals. We want to improve our performance and results, and we're going to give our all.

Ambition and desire to beat Athletic Club

Tomorrow, I want Mestalla to see a team that give their all in every move, that understand the importance of the match, that show our playing style and competitive spirit. Everyone in the squad is capable of achieving that and of reaching the next round. Our enthusiasm is at its fullest, as is the importance we place on tomorrow's game.

The Copa del Rey improving the season

The squad and staff place great importance on this competition; it's a source of excitement and a commitment we all share. That's how we're going to prepare for the match, that's how the players will approach this afternoon, eager to get started. We didn't get the result we wanted against Real Betis, and we're approaching this match with the hope of erasing that pain and bringing joy to our fans.

Potential rotations

I've always approached this competition with great importance, using the players I have had available to field the most competitive team possible.

The right-back spot

When Julen recovers, the goalkeeper position will be covered, and the same goes for the right-back position with Thierry. The negative aspect has been Diakhaby's injury; he's a player we wanted to keep with us. Our objective was to strengthen the squad by retaining players and adding the profiles we needed. The squad has been reinforced; the club have done a good job, bearing in mind how tricky the winter transfer window can be.

The approach against Athletic Club 

We want to see a Valencia CF team full of desire, intensity, and enthusiasm, one that gives its all in every move. What we're asking for tomorrow is what we've been doing up to now. We want to maintain this style of competitiveness and continue improving our identity, attack, and defence to achieve our goal.

Absences for Athletic Club

It doesn't affect us because Athletic have a lot of options; they have players who can cover two positions. There won't be a significant change in how they compete. I'm focused on Valencia CF's style of play, on seeing how our players are, if they've recovered well. We have to carefully assess each player's specific condition in detail to make decisions that will allow us to field a very competitive starting eleven for tomorrow.

Unai Núñez and Julen Agirrezabala

Julen still has to wait three weeks to be back with the team. We've had very positive impressions from him so far; he's a committed player who has shown great maturity in his contributions to the team. Unai has experience in LaLiga, having played for Athletic last year. He has experience in general and specifically in our league, which is a plus.

The keys to going through

They're a very aggressive side; the intensity with which they play is what best defines them. They've always been an intense team. They're a high-pressing, tenacious team, capable of creating a high volume of chances. Overcoming their press will be important, as will getting the ball back into their half. If you look at the way they played against Real Sociedad, you can see how intense and competitive that team are. I don't recall the game being played in their half in the first 30 minutes. We know about that intensity, we're aware of their strengths, and we're going to try to exploit our own strengths.

Winning at Mestalla

More than it being something that we owe people, we have the desire to bring joy to our fans, and we experience that feeling with a sense of responsibility. We take it very seriously. We don't see this as a quarter-final; we see it as a final. We want to continue in the competition and make our fans happy.

More options in the squad

That was the idea this winter: to increase resources and possibilities within the squad. I think that's very positive.

The Copa del Rey increasing competitiveness

It's a motivation for everyone. It’s important for Valencia CF and the fans, for the squad and for all of us.