Corberán Backs His Squad Ahead of Valencia Derby, Pays Respect to Marcelino
Carlos Corberán previews Sunday's Valencian derby at La Cerámica, provides injury updates and sidesteps questions on Marcelino's controversial comments about Peter Lim.
Valencia head to La Cerámica on Sunday night for a Valencian derby that feels a lot weightier than your typical regional scrap — and Carlos Corberán knows it.
The Bigger Picture
Vale came into the week off the back of a win against Levante, but Corberán was having none of any complacency chat in his pre-match presser. He was dead clear: one result changes nothing. The squad knows exactly where they sit in the table, and the gaffer’s message has been consistent — keep grafting, keep picking up points, because the relegation battle is very much alive.
Who’s Fit, Who’s Not
There’s a bit of good news on the injury front, at least:
- Thierry Rendall is back in the squad after his injury lay-off — a welcome return given Foulquier is out for the rest of the season
- Danjuma has also recovered and is available
- Copete returns after serving his suspension
- Diego remains sidelined with a knee problem
- Lucas Beltrán is a doubt — he’s been carrying a knee issue all week and missed normal training. Decision expected closer to kick-off
On the subject of Renzo Saravia, the right-back reportedly on his way in to cover Foulquier’s absence, Corberán kept schtum — his standard line is that he won’t comment on players who aren’t officially part of the squad yet. Fair enough, really.
Reading Villarreal
Corberán gave a genuinely detailed tactical breakdown of what Valencia are up against. Villarreal attack with a compact four-man square in midfield, with Moleiro operating in an interior role, a more traditional winger on one flank and an attacking full-back overlapping on the other. Defensively, they drop into a recognisable 4-4-2. Third in the table, Champions League pedigree, excellent home record — Corberán wasn’t dressing it up as anything other than a proper test.
That said, he pointed to last season’s draw at La Cerámica — achieved during a five-game losing run — as evidence that Valencia can compete there. Not resting on it, but using it as a confidence reference.
The Marcelino Question
The press conference’s most interesting moment came when Corberán was asked about Marcelino García Toral’s recent comments — the former boss suggested that owner Peter Lim had chosen to “destroy a winning team” during his tenure.
Corberán wasn’t biting. He swerved the politics entirely but did show genuine class in how he spoke about his predecessor: “Marcelino is a manager I have a lot of respect for, even more so being the coach who gave Valencia their last title.” He left it there. No drama, no dig — just quiet acknowledgement.
Derby Mentality
Corberán was emphatic that the squad understands the emotional weight of a Valencian derby, but equally that their current league position gives it extra urgency. Every point matters. The fans feel it, the players feel it, and the manager’s job is to channel that into performance rather than pressure.
One thing he did flag as a genuine positive — the midfield. Plenty of options, a good mix of positional players and box-to-box runners. Competition for places, which is exactly what you want heading into a game this big.
Sunday night at La Cerámica. Proper football. Get in.