As Valencia prepares to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, head coach Carlos Corberán addressed the media ahead of this crucial La Liga clash. The match, part of the 11th round of the season, poses a significant challenge for Valencia, currently battling relegation. Corberán expressed confidence in his squad’s abilities while acknowledging the formidable nature of their opponents.
In his press conference, Corberán emphasized the importance of dreaming big but also staying grounded. “Every team should aspire to win, but we must respect the strength of our adversary,” he stated. He believes that a successful performance against Madrid requires excellence in both defense and attack, highlighting the need for tactical discipline and resilience. “To achieve a positive result at the Bernabéu, we must give our all defensively and offensively,” he added.
Preparing for a Tough Encounter
Corberán noted that this week has been atypical due to cup commitments, which limited training time with a full squad. “We prepared for this match on Friday when everyone was available, and we feel ready,” he explained. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Madrid’s attacking prowess, stating that they demand high levels of defensive organization while maintaining offensive capabilities. “Madrid forces you to defend for extended periods without losing your attacking identity,” he remarked.
Lessons from Previous Matches
Reflecting on past encounters, particularly Valencia’s heavy defeat to FC Barcelona, Corberán stressed the need for resilience against top teams. “Madrid will test our defensive capabilities over long stretches, but we must remain strong and support each other,” he said. The coach also addressed the importance of maintaining personality on the pitch, ensuring that his team can seize attacking opportunities when they arise.
On the subject of officiating, Corberán urged his players to focus on what they can control. “We must concentrate on our game and provide constant support,” he stated confidently. While acknowledging that referees can make mistakes, he emphasized that technology should enhance fairness rather than complicate it.
A Tactical Comparison
Discussing the differences between Carlo Ancelotti‘s and Xabi Alonso‘s Real Madrid teams, Corberán noted that both have retained a core group of players but differ in approach. “Xabi’s Madrid appears more balanced and seeks better control through their attacking play,” he said. He praised their ability to combine verticality with patience in build-up play, making it more challenging for opponents to counter-attack effectively.
Corberán highlighted that stopping players like Kylian Mbappé requires utmost vigilance. “If it were easy, teams would have already done it,” he said with a hint of admiration for the French star’s talent. He acknowledged that even a momentary lapse could lead to severe consequences against such skilled opponents.
Looking ahead to the match, Corberán confirmed that he would have access to the same squad available against Villarreal. He drew inspiration from their strong first-half performance in that game but recognized that facing Real Madrid presents different challenges due to their unique style of play.
As speculation surrounds his future should results not improve, Corberán remained focused on the task at hand. “I can’t concern myself with what might happen weeks from now; my sole focus is preparing for this match against Real Madrid.” With Valencia in a precarious position in the table, every point is vital as they aim to climb out of relegation danger.
The upcoming clash promises to be an intense battle as Valencia seeks to assert itself against one of Spain’s most formidable teams while navigating their own struggles this season.
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