Carlos Corberán: “Winning at El Sadar requires great mental strength” | OneFootball

Carlos Corberán spoke this Friday to the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Matchday 2 LALIGA EA SPORTS fixture against CA Osasuna.

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How do you see André Almeida?

"He went through a period where his injury prevented him from working normally, but now he is training completely normally to be with the team. I want my players at 100%, eager to help and ready to face the challenge ahead of us".

Are you happy with Dimitrievski and his attitude in training? Would you like him to stay?

"I’m very happy with the goalkeepers, with their work and attitude every day, with how they help the team build attacks and defend. I have total peace of mind regarding the goalkeeping position".

What options do you have to set up the midfield?

"We have several options in midfield, that’s true. We can play with two central midfielders and an attacking midfielder, with an interior player, or with a holding midfielder and two interior midfielders. These are possibilities we have, and that’s positive. We like the team to have alternatives, and depending on the opponent’s structure we can occupy more positions inside or on the flanks to have different positional options. It’s always good to be able to choose one formation or another".

With eleven days left until the transfer window closes, if no one leaves, which positions would you need to complete the squad?

"As of today, offensive positions. That’s where we are working. Of course, unexpected situations can always arise, something normal in transfer windows. The Club does its job to always be prepared and have answers. But for now, the work is focused on improving the team’s attacking options".

How is Diakhaby and what’s the reason for his absence?

"There hasn’t been any absence from Diakhaby. Out of a group of excellent players, you have to choose eleven. That’s what a club needs to be competitive: that players who are good enough to start don’t always begin matches, because it means the group is strong and competitive".

You’ve said the squad needs attacking reinforcements. Do you think they’ll arrive before the window closes?

"Work is being done for that. It has to be before, of course, not after. The Club is working to strengthen the attacking positions. I’m 100% confident. That’s something I stay out of; my job is on the sporting side and preparing matches. But the Club is working so that those reinforcements arrive".

How is Diego López?"He trained on the first day after the match, although he still had some muscle fatigue from the previous game. It was decided that, to help his recovery, he would skip one training session during the week. Today he has trained completely normally and we expect him to be available for the match".

Assessment of the opponentThey are a very complete opponent, a very competitive team and at a demanding ground. Winning at El Sadar requires great mental strength. They’re going to be very aggressive, they’re a team that presses a lot and puts many balls into the box. We’ll have to be ready to defend high, be alert on set pieces, and stay active as a group, very focused and mentally strong for whatever may happen during the game.

Regarding the season’s objective, Ron Gourlay said it was Europe. How do you approach the first away match?"Our objective is to be as competitive as possible. I don’t know if, in the translations or interpretations from English to Spanish, the messages are always fully understood, but our aim is to compete at the highest level, both home and away. We always go onto the pitch with the ambition of taking the three points".

Where can Danjuma help you more, playing inside or wide?"On Sunday, I don’t know yet, but as a player he gives us very interesting versatility. He can play up front, link up play and attack spaces, and also out wide, especially on the left. We’re very happy to have him".

Can you explain a bit more about Yarek’s departure?"Yarek’s departure came down to an agreement between the player and the Club. An offer came in and both parties understood that going separate ways was best for both. That’s why he’s no longer with us".

Would the squad be complete with two more attacking players?"Yes, unless something unexpected happens in other positions. In that case, yes, it would be complete".

Today Dani Raba didn’t finish training. How is he?"He did finish. What happened is that there was some extra work for certain positions and he didn’t have to do it. In the last training session he felt some discomfort in his hamstring and, as with Diego López, we took precautions. Today he trained normally and completed the session".

I felt there was a bit of euphoria around the match against Real Sociedad. Stats say Valencia CF do well in Pamplona. How do you see the game?"Your reflection has two parts. The first: playing at Mestalla. When we play there, we have the absolute ambition of giving the fans what we believe they deserve. Their support is so great that, when we can’t give them the result they deserve, the frustration and sadness are bigger. That’s one thing. On the other hand, the fans’ excitement is positive, and we have the responsibility to respond through our work. Playing away is always demanding and we’re aware that it will be a difficult match at El Sadar, but it has to motivate us to get the result we want. Our intensity and motivation have to be at the highest level".

Are you happy with the squad you have heading into Matchday 2?"The transfer window closes on 1 September. We’re happy, but the Club will keep working. I’m focused on ensuring the players fully understand the game plan and are prepared".