When Carlos Corberán, head coach of Valencia CF stepped onto the pitch at Mestalla last week, he didn’t just hand out tactical notes – he handed out a mantra: the winning mentality. The statement came during a pre‑match press conference on August 29, 2025, just before Valencia’s second LALIGA EA SPORTS showdown against CA Osasuna, and it set the tone for what he expects from his squad for the rest of the campaign.
Winning Mindset: Corberán's Core Philosophy
"We need to face every game with the mentality of winning," Corberán told reporters, a line that quickly became the headline of every sports bulletin. Here’s the thing: it’s not just pep talk. He linked the mindset to concrete on‑field actions – press, transition, and a proactive approach that refuses to sit back and wait for opponents to make mistakes.
Tactical Blueprint: Attack Over Defense
Corberán explained his tactical DNA in plain terms: "The more you attack, the less you defend." He illustrated this with a recent fixture where Valencia dominated possession and forced the opposition onto the back foot. "During that stretch, we dominated the game offensively. From then on, the opponents adjust and change," he noted, indicating that a high‑press system forces opponents to react, often leading to turnovers that can be turned into goals.
He added that the team’s analysis department tracks how opponents adapt, allowing the coaching staff to tweak the shape mid‑match. "We want to give away as few chances as possible and create as many opportunities as possible," he said, underscoring the balance between aggressive play and disciplined defending.
Defensive Pillar: Mouctar Diakhaby's Role
When asked about individual contributions, Corberán singled out Mouctar Diakhaby, describing his work rate as "impeccable" and a "huge impact on matches." The Senegalese centre‑back, who joined Valencia last summer, has become the quiet engine that drives the back line, often covering for teammates and initiating quick passes out of defence.
"I can't say what will happen between now and the end of the season; it's our performance that determines our position," Corberán admitted, but he made it clear that Diakhaby’s consistency gives the squad a reliable anchor, especially when the team pushes high up the pitch.
Midfield Flexibility and Player Updates
The coach also gave fans a snapshot of the midfield carousel. On the recovery front, André Almeida has completed his rehabilitation and is back to full training, ready to add his Portuguese flair to the middle of the park.
Goal‑keeping, another hot topic, sees Stole Dimitrievski enjoying the coach’s confidence. "I'm very happy with the goalkeepers, with their work and attitude every day," Corberán said, indicating that the Macedonian’s distribution and shot‑stopping have become pillars of Valencia’s build‑up play.
On formation, Corberán stressed the squad’s versatility: "We can play with two central midfielders and an attacking midfielder, or a holding midfielder and two interior midfielders. Depending on the opponent's structure, we can occupy more positions inside or on the flanks." This flexibility, he believes, will be decisive against varied opposition.
Preparing for Real Oviedo: Avoiding Complacency
Looking ahead, the next big test is a clash with Real Oviedo, a side that surprised many by sitting mid‑table after six games despite having dropped from La Liga last season. Corberán warned against underestimating them: "If we weren't professional and didn't analyse the opposition, we could fall into the error of believing Real Oviedo are an easy team to play."
He highlighted that Oviedo’s recent form shows they can withstand pressure, and that Valencia must bring the same ambition, enthusiasm, and responsibility he expects from every training session. "Regardless of the opponents, we have to go all out to win," he insisted.
What Lies Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures
Beyond Oviedo, the schedule is packed: matches against Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao, and a potential Copa del Rey tie loom on the horizon. Corberán’s roadmap is simple – evolve each matchday, learn from setbacks, and keep the squad hungry for improvement.
- August 29, 2025 – Valencia vs CA Osasuna (LALIGA EA SPORTS)
- September 5, 2025 – Valencia vs Real Oviedo
- September 12, 2025 – Valencia vs Sevilla FC
- September 19, 2025 – Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao
The key, according to Corberán, is not just the results but the process: "Our hope is that we compete better in the next game, knowing that the opponents are different. Dissatisfaction and self‑demand are part of our character as a team."
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Valencia's attacking philosophy affect their defence?
Corberán believes that dominating possession and pressing high reduces the time opponents have to build attacks, meaning the defence faces fewer sustained threats. However, it also requires defenders like Mouctar Diakhaby to stay alert and recover quickly, as high lines can be vulnerable to quick counters.
What is the status of André Almeida after his injury?
André Almeida has completed his rehabilitation and is back to full training as of August 29, 2025. Corberán expects him to be at 100% fitness and ready to compete for a starting spot in the midfield.
Why does Corberán caution against underestimating Real Oviedo?
Real Oviedo, despite recently dropping from La Liga, sits comfortably mid‑table after six games and has shown resilience against stronger sides. Corberán stresses that their tactical discipline and squad depth can expose any complacency from Valencia.
What flexibility does Valencia have in midfield formations?
Corberán highlighted three main setups: a double‑pivot with an attacking midfielder, a single holding midfielder with two interior players, or a more fluid three‑midfield line that can shift between central and wide roles. This allows the team to adapt tactics based on the opponent's shape.
How confident is the coaching staff about the goalkeeping department?
Corberán expressed total peace of mind regarding the goalkeepers, especially Stole Dimitrievski, praising his work ethic, distribution, and ability to contribute to the team's attacking build‑up. No changes are anticipated in the near term.
Posts Comments
Ashutosh Kumar Gupta September 30, 2025 AT 20:27
Corberán’s mantra sounds like hollow hype; a coach chanting winning is not enough to mask tactical inadequacy.
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