Corberán complains: Valencia only… - Valencia Club de Fútbol

Valencia coach Carlos Corberán voiced frustration over the season’s schedule, noting the club will be the only one to play the first two La Liga matches with just two days’ rest. The issue arose after Betis requested a postponement to accommodate a player’s World Cup semi-final, leaving Valencia with a first-round match on Tuesday 25 August after playing the Celta on Saturday 23 August. Corberán highlighted a 33 % difference in recovery time and urged that squad needs be met. Valencia will face Betis on 25 August and Celta on 23 August.

Unfavourable schedule

Coach Carlos Corberán, in the press conference before the match against Betis (Tuesday 25 August, 21:00 h), complained that Valencia will be the only team in La Liga to play the first two league matches with just two days’ rest. The club will play the first round on Tuesday 25 August after having played the Celta on Saturday 23 August at 19:30 h. The issue arose because Betis requested a postponement to accommodate Lo Celso, a player called up for the World Cup semi-finals, as allowed by La Liga. Thus, Betis played its first match on Friday 22 August against Real Sociedad and Valencia will have to cope with the pressure of playing two games in 48 h, which Corberán described as “incomprehensible” and “a 33 % difference in recovery time”.

Coach’s reactions

Corberán clarified that he was not blaming Betis, but the rule that allows the postponement. “I’m not saying Betis is to blame. Betis is following a rule that the authorities allow,” he said. The coach also spoke about the incomplete squad: “The club is aware and works to cover defensive and offensive needs.” He mentioned De Haas, who is in tests due to a foot injury, and Rioja, who trained with the team and will be available. Regarding goalkeeper Van Oevelen, he stressed the need for “two starting goalkeepers” and the importance of competitiveness in the position.

Corberán also commented on the situation of Danjuma, Diakhaby and Gayá, noting that player assessment is internal and the priority is their availability and performance. Regarding defence, the coach praised Pepelu for his adaptation to the five-defender system and his performance against Getafe. Finally, he expressed concern about the lack of reinforcements and the need to cover defensive and offensive positions.

Squad situation

The coach said the team should “defend better, but without that making the attack worse.” He also highlighted the importance of the fans and the pressure of Mestalla to motivate the team. “Valencia will always want to go out and win,” he concluded. The next match will be on 25 August against Betis at Mestalla.