Corberán: "I expect a competitive game between two of the biggest sides in Spain" | OneFootball

Players available for the game

Cömert was able to participate in part of training today; we understand he will have a complete session tomorrow. Unai has completed the week normally. Lucas Beltrán has a knee problem; we'll see if he's available during training tomorrow.

Analysis of Atletico Madrid

You always have to focus on yourself. I expect every opposition side to be at their best; that's how I always prepare for matches. I watched yesterday's game, the game against Elche and the one against Sevilla. I like to understand a team’s style of play and their players. I expect a very competitive game between two of the biggest and most historic clubs in Spanish football.

Possible rotations by Atletico Madrid

At this moment, preparing for the game is very simple; we're still fighting for our lives. 39 points aren't enough. We're very aware of our situation, that Valencia CF are still fighting for our lives in every game, and that makes things much easier, both in training and in terms of our competitive intensity. Being aware of your situation helps you bring out your best.

Javi Guerra

My mindset is that the best is yet to come for every player. That's an objective for any coach when they work. Good performance should always be the foundation, not the ceiling, for the next game. That's the mentality. We must always work with that motivation and enthusiasm. I'm happy with the good performances; we must always turn them into the foundation for the next even better performance.

Squad analysis ahead of the transfer window

I understand the question, but I'm not thinking about anything related to the future, only about the immediate future: the match against Atletico Madrid, maintaining the positive performances of players who have been performing well, or improving the performances of players who can do better. It's an interesting question and one that warrants reflection, but right now the focus is on Atletico Madrid.

Not expecting a relaxed Atletico Madrid

I always expect the best version of a team when we face them. They're coming off a victory in LaLiga. I liked their performance against Sevilla, despite the result. I saw a team playing with boldness and attacking fluidity. The penalty and sending-off against Elche CF significantly impacted that game. At Mestalla, Valencia CF have only beaten Atletico Madrid once in the last ten years.

A win possibly making Valencia CF safe from relegation

I never think about what might happen. I focus on the team doing everything possible to reach 42 points. On figuring out what we need to do to achieve a competitive level that will bring us closer to getting good results.

Pepelu

He's given us the option of playing him in the centre back position, stepping up during a difficult time. He's adapted to playing there, contributing to pass distribution and handling situations typical of defenders very well. He's got the versatility to play there. That's positive. We're happy with what he's been doing. If he plays, we always expect his best. It's good to have alternatives and players who can play in any position.

Julen Agirrezabala

It's a matter of his feeling, of adapting to the condition of his knee. With surgery, your knee changes, and there's an adjustment period. He hasn't trained with the group yet. If his progress is good, he'll be brought in, and then he will be closer to being cleared for competition.

The transfer market

When the club take a step forward with a player and we are in the final stages of negotiations, I like to talk to the player so he knows what to expect. I'm not the one who convinces or negotiates with any player. The club, the history and the projects are what convince players. It's not me.

Sadiq and Hugo Duro playing together

Last year, when we played against Atletico Madrid at home, they both played together, and I liked it. It all depends on what the game needs at any given moment. Having two pure strikers is interesting when the team are putting a lot of pressure on the opposition. It's important sometimes to use players who help with the build-up play and the attack. Lucas Beltrán is a number 9.5; he's closer to the attacking midfield position. Sadiq and Hugo are different from Lucas. We have alternatives.

Analysis of the opposition

I think everything related to the match depends on the mentality with which you approach it, on your defensive and offensive capabilities. We're focused on ourselves. They're a great team; otherwise, they wouldn't be in the Champions League semi-finals. They have a squad capable of competing in three competitions. We expect the best from our opponents and the best from our team. At the Metropolitano, we had a good away game. Challenges are synonymous with motivation and are always welcome.

Confidence from Danjuma

Valencia CF are convincing because of the greatness of the club. I had an hour-long conversation with Danjuma on the phone. I usually talk to the players to get the best performance from them. The confidence that Danjuma had in me wasn't the reason he came to Valencia CF. It was the club and its greatness. We talk about football, about understanding the game; I learn a lot from the players' opinions, as they are specialists in playing football.