Corberán calls for Valencia reinforcements: 'It's a necessity, not an emergency'
Valencia boss Carlos Corberán addresses transfer plans ahead of tough Celta Vigo clash as Los Che seek their first away win of the season.
Valencia manager Carlos Corberán faces a crucial start to 2026 as his struggling side prepares to face high-flying Celta Vigo, with transfer talk dominating the conversation.
With Los Che hovering just one point above the relegation zone on 16 points from 17 matches, the pressure’s mounting on both manager and club to turn things around sharpish.
Transfer talk takes centre stage
Corberán was bombarded with questions about Valencia’s January transfer plans, with the gaffer confirming the club has funds available while carefully choosing his words about the urgency of the situation.
“I wouldn’t call it an urgent matter. As a club, we have the obligation and necessity to strengthen ourselves,” Corberán explained, walking a diplomatic tightrope while making his position crystal clear.
When pressed on whether specific targets like Sadiq were being pursued, Corberán kept his cards close to his chest: “I don’t discuss players who aren’t at Valencia.”
He did, however, confirm: “There is economic availability to pursue signings. The mentality is to strengthen the current squad.”
Injury woes continue
The boss provided a rather lengthy sick note ahead of the Celta clash:
- Dimitrievski - Ongoing discomfort
- Comert - Flu
- Ugrinic - Likely out with flu symptoms
- Hugo Duro and Pepelu - Improving but still recovering
Celta challenge
Corberán was full of praise for seventh-placed Celta, who’ve been playing some proper Bobby Dazzler football under Claudio’s guidance.
“They’re a team that plays very good football. Claudio has transformed their identity with a profile focused on ball possession,” he noted, highlighting the blend of youth and experience in their squad.
New year, new mindset
Despite the challenging position, Corberán remains confident in his squad’s ability to improve their fortunes, revealing all players returned from the holiday break within their weight limits and ready to graft.
When asked if he could repeat what some called a “miracle” last season, Corberán was having none of it: “I believe in work more than miracles, in personal self-demand, and I believe the group can achieve it.”
Valencia will need to start turning belief into points soon, beginning with what would be their first away win of the season at Balaídos.