Corberán: "We know how important the game is for the fans" | OneFootball

Corberán: "We know how important the game is for the fans" | OneFootball

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Icon: Valencia CF

Valencia CF

·14 February 2026

Corberán: "We know how important the game is for the fans"

Article image:Corberán: "We know how important the game is for the fans"

In football, the demand is always to get results and to fight for the three points. The situation is the same; we approach it with the utmost respect and attention to detail to try and achieve a victory.

Trying new things


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There are always things you can try, not only in terms of the players who start a match and then get substituted, but also in terms of the situations that arise. Every match is an opportunity to reaffirm your performance and to get the three points.

Forcing players to play when injured

I always follow medical recommendations. It was agreed with the medical staff that the maximum time Thierry could play was 30 minutes, and that's why he didn't start the match. He played 18 minutes. In each situation, the medical staff, who are the specialists, determine whether a player is cleared to play and whether their availability is limited. I never push a player. It's the medical staff who tell me if a player is fit or not.

Signing a right-back

The operation will require four months or more of recovery. So, going into the transfer market is a possibility, taking into account the specific characteristics.

Difference in the market value of the squads

Regardless of the market value, the team have the mentality, the ambition, and the desire to go for the three points. We know how important that is for us and for our fans. The team will give everything to achieve it.

The number of players in the squad

The minimum number of players a team should have is two players for each position, and having versatility in those positions helps because you always have to face difficult times, injuries, and situations where you'll need them. For example, what happened to us at right-back, where we lost players simultaneously. Foulquier, Titi, and Iranzo all suffered injuries at the same time. Versatility helps you overcome these situations. You should always have two players per position and always have someone from the B team who can help the first team in these kinds of situations.

Taking more shots on goal

If we focus on the match against Real Madrid: We had chances, but sometimes they were intercepted before reaching the goal, or they hit the post, like in Beltrán's case. The team defended well, we defended a lot, and we tried to create scoring opportunities, though we didn't always convert them. I remember a shot from Rioja, plus another from Danjuma, which resulted in a corner. This means that the final touch wasn't accurate, or that the opponents were able to prevent the opportunity from becoming clearer.

Danjuma's defence of his coach

You'll have to ask the player. When you give an interview, you say what you feel. I appreciate that the words coming out of the dressing room are positive. I always give my all and demand that from others. I understand that "not sleeping" means worrying about doing your best. When we don't achieve it, we suffer. We're experiencing this situation with passion and dedication. I appreciate any kind words, and I like that the players perceive that.

Levante UD 

I've always seen Levante UD as a competitive team. In the match we played at Mestalla, we already saw how evenly matched we are and how difficult they are to play against; they're a team you have to prepare very well for, because they're going to demand a lot from you. Against Elche CF, they achieved their first victory, which was a significant morale boost. They have a distinct identity, are very organised in defence and have a solid attacking foundation. You know it's going to be very difficult to beat them.

A late change to the starting eleven against Real Madrid 

Sometimes comments, reflections, or situations come to light that don't reflect reality or how we manage our relationship with a player. Once I announce a lineup, I never think about changing it. It's a process that results from how one evaluates the players' performances and the game. I've never changed a starting lineup in my life. That would mean not maintaining respect or trust in the players. You can't do that when you're leading a group. Sometimes players have a leading role in one way or another. Javi Guerra is an important player for the club. I see him working with a maturity that I really like. Players sometimes face difficult situations, and that makes them mature and improve their performance. For me, Javi is on that path.

Thierry Correia and Danjuma

Neither of them will be available tomorrow. Neither has a serious injury. Danjuma has a minor leg injury, but him playing would risk it becoming a more serious one. I don't have medical clearance to field him, despite his effort and dedication. Thierry has developed an edema in the area where he was injured. The decision we've made is to rest the player without taking any risks.

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