Corberán brings in Darío Navarro to sharpen Valencia’s set-piece threat | OneFootball

Darío Navarro, 36, has joined Valencia’s backroom team, with Carlos Corberán recruiting the set-piece specialist after his standout work at Osasuna last season.

According to LaLiga, Osasuna finished with 15 goals from set plays, level with Barcelona and one behind Levante. Valencia recorded 10, mostly from corners, and were vulnerable defending dead balls during stretches of the first half of the campaign.

Navarro will be one of Corberán’s assistants. He previously worked under Alessio Lisci at Levante, Mirandés and Osasuna, and with Juan Carlos Garrido at Ismaily. His remit will cover the design of attacking and defensive routines from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins.

He has said games are often decided by small details, including dead balls, and views set pieces as fundamental. His approach favours variety tailored to each opponent without overcomplicating, focusing on strengths even if that means repetition, and building conviction through results.

Navarro is due to start next week at Mestalla, returning to his home city. He spent much of his career at Levante as a player and then coach across the academy, B team and first team during Lisci’s tenure. He now becomes part of Corberán’s inner circle as the head coach prepares for a third season, and second pre-season, at Valencia.

Source: AS