Carlos Corberán, the head coach of Valencia Club de Fútbol, definitively shut down the transfer window debate on Saturday. The manager stated his sole responsibility now is to get the maximum performance from his current squad, with the team sitting 18th in La Liga after earning just one point from three games.
The news, reported by Marca, comes after the transfer window closed and on the eve of the match against Barcelona. Corberán was emphatic in saying that dwelling on moves that did not materialise is pointless. "The market is now in the past. Coming here with my players and focusing on what could or should have been done makes no sense," the coach declared.
How is Corberán tackling the results crisis?
The context is difficult for Valencia Club de Fútbol. The team approaches Sunday's match on a poor run of form, having conceded four goals and scored only one so far this season. This leaves them eight points behind the leaders, who happen to be Barcelona. Corberán admitted the first half against Deportivo last matchday was "shameful", a performance that must be corrected urgently.
His focus is clear: work with what he has. The coach explained that when a player is injured for several weeks, the club always considers reinforcing the position. However, with the window now shut, his task is straightforward. He must trust the players at his disposal and the academy, which will provide players like Iker Córdoba, Mayol and Jaume Durá for the upcoming fixture.
What issues does the Valencia squad have?
The injury list is a significant hurdle. For the clash against Barça, Corberán will be without Luis Rioja, who has not completed any group training. Striker Sadiq will be out for several weeks with an injury. Guido and De Haas are continuing their respective recovery processes.
A last-minute absence is Foulquier. The player had a flu-like illness earlier in the week and, during training, suffered a new injury that rules him out. Fans can check the full team status on our injuries page.
What role will Harvey Elliott play?
One positive new addition is Harvey Elliott. Corberán believes his signing is interesting and will improve the team's offensive resources. The coach highlighted the Englishman's good adaptation to Valencia's various structures.
Elliott is not an out-and-out winger. He tends to move from wide areas into central zones, especially the right half-space. He has the ability to receive passes from behind and link with advanced players. Also, he retains possession well and does not feel pressure under duress. His profile adds a new dynamic to Valencia's attack.
How is Corberán managing the left flank?
At left-back, the manager feels particularly well-covered. Having Jesús Vázquez and José Luis Gayá gives him absolute peace of mind. "Having two players like Jesús Vázquez and Gayá makes a coach very calm, because you know any decision is good," stated Corberán.
The coach expressed satisfaction with Vázquez's performance, who already offered interesting possibilities last season and continues to do so now. He values having two high-quality players in the same position, with different traits, experience, youth, passion and commitment to the club. This internal competition is a luxury for a team looking to climb the standings.
With the market closed, the path for Valencia Club de Fútbol is set. Corberán and his team face a demanding schedule ahead, including a trip to face eighth-placed Sevilla on the 11th of September.
