Danjuma dismisses relegation fears at Valencia: 'With our quality, we can't go down'
Dutch forward Arnaut Danjuma backs under-pressure manager Carlos Corberán despite Valencia sitting just one point above the drop zone in La Liga.
Valencia’s Dutch forward isn’t having any of the doom and gloom surrounding the club’s precarious league position, insisting quality will prevail in their relegation battle.
‘Fear’ not in Danjuma’s vocabulary
Arnaut Danjuma has come out swinging in defence of Valencia and gaffer Carlos Corberán, despite the club finding themselves in proper bother - just a single point above the relegation places having played a game more than their rivals.
When asked directly about relegation fears, the Dutchman was adamant: “Fear is a very strong word. With the quality we have, with the manager, the club and the fans, we can’t go down.”
The situation at Mestalla has turned proper tasty in recent weeks. Following their defeat to Real Madrid, the Valencia faithful made their feelings crystal clear, directing chants of “resignation!” toward Corberán. Not exactly what you want when you’re fighting for your life at the wrong end of the table.
Backing the boss
Despite the supporters giving the manager some serious stick, Danjuma has thrown his full support behind Corberán:
“I see what we do every day in training. The manager doesn’t sleep - he’s giving his life for the club. I have many individual meetings with him and you can tell his dream is to return the club to where it belongs.”
The former Villarreal man, who’s having a different season than he bargained for when he made the move last summer, believes the entire squad remains behind the gaffer, adding:
“I have a lot of confidence in the manager, and I can tell you the team does too. We give 100% in training. We know it’s difficult, but I promise we’re doing everything we can day by day.”
What needs to change?
When pressed on what Valencia need to do differently to turn things around, Danjuma pointed to concentration levels but was quick to provide context about their recent defeat:
“We didn’t play against a poor team - it’s Madrid, possibly the best team in the world with the best players. We competed until they scored. After that, we knew it would be difficult.”
The 27-year-old acknowledged the frustration felt by supporters but remains convinced things will improve:
“We understand it’s difficult for the fans and the club. We’re suffering too. Things can change, but we need to do something a bit better tactically, maybe finding spaces earlier.”
With the business end of the season approaching, Valencia will need Danjuma’s confidence to translate into points - and sharpish - if they’re to avoid dropping down to the Segunda for the first time since 1987.