Corberán: "We're eager to compete at our best" | OneFootball

Playing at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on only five days' notice

The first thing is that it’s the RFEF and LALIGA, who set the rules. It is they who then have to ensure that the rules they set are followed -not us. It's an atypical situation. What I've done is focus on what is down to us: Ourselves and facing the opponents, regardless of the ground at which the game is played. This situation is not normal and affects the fans, who are the most important thing in football. When the venue was decided, the club made an effort to ensure that 290 Valencia CF fans could travel to be with the team, and that's positive; for us, their presence is necessary. Whoever sets the rules has to uphold them. It's an atypical situation, and neither normal nor in keeping with the level of prestige this competition should have.

How he approaches the game against FC Barcelona

You approach it knowing that we're playing against one of the best teams in the world, and that puts you in the position of knowing the demands this match has. When you play against FC Barcelona, your concentration has to be at its highest, as well as your ability to respond. If your response isn't in line with the speed at which they play, you're going to suffer. Your response has to be at its highest level, because you're playing against one of the best teams in the world.

The big defeats last season

The 7-1 and 5-0 defeats against FC Barcelona were two of the toughest days I've experienced as Valencia CF coach. After the tough blows we suffered, I was pleased that the team were then able to bounce back against RC Celta de Vigo in a very important match and against CD Leganés, winning 2-0 at Mestalla, which allowed us to continue moving towards our goal. What I take away from that is the team's fortitude in recovering. As in every match, we look at the opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and we face them with the necessary strength and motivation.

Diakhaby and André Almeida

Diakhaby played two matches with his national team, which helped him get back into a competitive pace, and Almeida has trained normally. All the players are available for the match.

Playing on a ‘smaller’ pitch

I don't listen much to what's being said about this. Talking about a smaller pitch is wrong because it's the same size as the Camp Nou (105x68m), and we're prepared and working for what's important. Ferran, Raphinha, Rashford, Lamine Yamal... Their presence stands above the pitch's dimensions. We're focused on finding our best response, which is what will make us a competitive team.

The challenge of playing against FC Barcelona

Every match is a challenge; we want to represent the club in the best possible way, and we're working with that in mind.

How much last year's matches influence him

It’s simple: we want to compete better in the match on Sunday than we did last season. We're eager to compete at our best. FC Barcelona are a team with great players, and we must prepare for any situation that may arise during the match.

A possible change in formation

We work with a line of four and a line of five. For me, the important thing isn't the formation, but rather the concentration and responsiveness you have to whatever happens in the match.

Thierry Correia’s condition

If he completes training tomorrow, he'll be ready for the match. This is very positive for Valencia CF. To go into detail about his recovery, he's an example for everyone, someone we should all look up to, because he's been able to overcome adversity. His spirit and commitment are exemplary for everyone.

Changes in attitude and tactics to prevent a repeat of 2025/26 results

Last year, we played with a line of four in defence, then we switched to a line of five. In the Copa del Rey, we started with a line of five. The result wasn't good, and that shows that the formation wasn't used well; there are things that are more important than the formation. It’s down to constant concentration. FC Barcelona used to dominate through horizontal passes and circulation, but now with Hansi Flick they try to damage you vertically. They've introduced that approach, along with reducing the attacking space. The games are practically played in your own half. These aspects are more about the game than any formation. You have to analyse their defensive and offensive phases to see what response is required. I want us to compete in the match in better condition than last time.

Setting a goal after the transfer window closed

My target has never changed: To make Valencia CF as competitive as possible and to be so in every match, to give the fans the highest possible hopes. My other objective is to prepare for the next match. When we don't achieve what we want, we take responsibility, get back up, and keep working to give the fans the pride and sense of belonging we want them to have. The league position is a consequence; the important thing is preparation and focus in each match.

To what extent FC Barcelona's high line can change things

Every way an opponent plays influences the way you prepare for the match. More than it influences things, it generates a certain type of match. Each team has a game plan, and that influences the way we play.

How playing at the Estadi Johan Cruyff affects things

The opponent hasn't changed; it's FC Barcelona. We've prepared normally, focusinf on ourselves and the opponent we're going to face.

Whether he has a better attack than last season

The squad is different from last year. We've had 13 departures and 10 players come in. It's a different squad. Last year we performed well, and that allowed us to achieve a good goal. This year we must demand our best performance represent the club in the best possible way.

The situation with the stadium

For me, it's atypical, because the venue is usually known in advance. There are two organisations that set rules and must ensure they are followed. It's up to them to enforce them, not us. It's up to me to work hard for the game and compete at my best.

Unfinished business with FC Barcelona

Last year we had two painful matches against them; no one likes to lose, much less in this way. At the time, it caused pain, and we tried to transform it into anger and motivation to show that this doesn't represent this institution.

His assessment of the transfer market

My assessment is positive. I'm satisfied, given the club's potential; it's been a good transfer market in this regard.

What Thierry offers the team

Many things. From being an example in how he's handled his recovery, to not giving up in the face of difficulties, and that's very important for his teammates. He is a right-back with above-average physical abilities, with a very high level of explosiveness and speed, and he's going to be a very important player, without a doubt.

Diego López’ statement that Valencia CF can beat FC Barcelona

There are two emotional aspects that greatly influence performance: confidence and demand. Both being at the top level helps the team perform well. They must be balanced -or there must be a little more demand. The player coming in with that at a high level is positive.

Different forwards this season

If you compare Sadiq, Rafa Mir, and Hugo Duro with Danjuma, Hugo, and Lucas, they're different. I agree. We want each player to perform at their best based on what they're capable of and adapt the play to their abilities.

They always have a chance to play; Jesús and the rest of the players. He's had good moments, good games, and performed well. He’s very important.