In a fierce match between Valencia and two fierce rivals with a long history, Carlos Corberán, a youthful 41-year-old coach who has never played in La Liga, will make his debut in Spanish football this Friday at 21:00 on Movistar+. Although the match falls on Matchday 12, it seemed to have come too soon, as the country was still in shock after the disastrous rains. It now occurs at a more suitable moment when the area makes an effort to improve its difficult situation.
Football, of all, is a sport that wears down one coach after another, but life goes on. It is unclear if his replacement, a Valencian who prioritizes daily dedication and hard effort to salvage a historic club in difficulty, will save Valencia, who are now ranked second from the bottom of the league table. Rubén Baraja was the last to leave Mestalla.
It’s frequently argued that football doesn’t care about what goes on outside of stadiums, but the floods disaster, which killed 223 people and impacted countless families, was an exception. Real Madrid was among the first teams to come forward and help the Valencian people. Valencia supporters, who have been especially outspoken against their opponents since the occurrences involving Vinicius in the spring of 2023, were moved by the team’s selfless one million euro donation, which was spearheaded by president Florentino Pérez.
Before the game against Osasuna on November 9, Real Madrid performed a heartfelt ceremony at the Bernabéu to honor the Valencian people. In the stands that day, a gigantic senyera was unfurled to convey the message, “We are all Valencia.”
When Valencia and Levante, the two major clubs in the province hit by the floods, resumed playing, this flag—which is now almost a symbol of fraternity—was provided as a present for them to use in their tributes. A string of acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding that many people will never forget. This could result in Mestalla receiving a sincere round of applause for welcome Real Madrid tonight. It would be the first time. This, however, will rely on how well the Libertad VCF group’s plan to boycott the game in protest of Peter Lim’s club management is received.
César Soto Grado will then blow the whistle, bringing the rivalry back into the spotlight. Because it just takes a goal from Vinicius to bridge the gap between love and hate. A resident of Cheste, one of the impacted municipalities, Corberán thanked the football community for their unity. “Sport and football both gain from this. The whole Spanish football community came together and supported me. I watched Real Madrid’s act from a distance, and it was a heartfelt and unique display of solidarity.
A hungry coach making his first appearance in the top flight will surely be stimulated by Real Madrid, who are only a game away from Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. Both teams have a game in hand over Barcelona, who are now third and three points behind Simeone’s team. But regardless of the opponent’s name or background, Corberán said his most important match is always the one that comes next. “We will ultimately play every team—there are 21 games left—and we need to prepare for each one in the same manner. Each and every game is crucial.
He wants the supporters to support his side on his debut. Unlike Baraja, Corberán has opened a door but has not yet made the error of condemning his fans or directing them how to behave. “I just got here, and I respect any discussion about the squad because that’s how it should be, but I also know the Valencia supporters well, and I have a feeling they won’t desert us. Even more than I do, they understand their value to the club, and I have faith that they won’t abandon us in spite of everything they have been through.”
The coach, who was born in Cheste, didn’t want to spend too much time on pointless arguments. Corberán is well aware that saving Valencia is his goal. He is aware that he needs to break the cycle of errors, fears, and disbelief in their purpose in order to do this. As crucial as tactical savvy will be mental readiness. Therefore, he said he would try to persuade the fans before asking them anything. “We have to give it our all for them. Efforts and dedication are rewarded by the fans. They recognize and value this. I’ve promised that since day one.
Corberán doesn’t look for any diversions. He doesn’t want to consider Christmas or other festivities just yet, despite the fact that he seems to take excellent care of his body. To make the most of his time, the new coach has booked a hotel close to the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna. The former manager of West Bromwich Albion is aware that the team cannot fully understand his concept of football in five days, but he still wants to inculcate the following fundamentals: hard work, dedication, and positive habits. The team is expected to get better with every training session and move away from relegation as a result of their combined efforts.
“I discovered a group that, if they keep up the mindset, dedication, and work from these five days, I am convinced will expand. I want to keep growing, that’s what. I was pleased with the attitude I observed. Before taking on Madrid, he said in a raspy voice, “If we can keep up that energy, we will keep growing.”
