Valencia CF head coach Carlos Corberan cut a satisfied but measured figure after his side booked their place in the next round of the Copa del Rey with a hard-earned victory over Burgos CF.
While progression was the headline outcome, the Valencia boss was keen to underline the mental strength and adaptability his players showed in a competition he described as anything but forgiving.
“Happiness always helps; it boosts confidence,” said Corberan. “The team have been taking things seriously in the Copa del Rey and are showing that even when facing lower-division teams, it’s not easy.
“You have to adapt to the opponents, to the match, and to the context, and today Valencia CF rose to the occasion.”
He added: “It was anything but a formality, or a pleasant game to play. We know this is a demanding and treacherous competition; we have to approach each match with the utmost seriousness, as we saw yesterday.
“We have to be able to stick together and suffer through any problems.”
Even amid chants from the home crowd, Corberan maintained that his side stayed locked into their task, choosing responsibility and growth over distraction.
“We focus on what happens on the pitch and take responsibility for the situations we have to face in order to improve as a team.
“Results can sometimes exaggerate our assessments of a game. The team played well today; sometimes we don’t get the result that we want, but we also do things well in those games.
“We have to maintain balance, know what we need to improve, and besides continuing in the Copa del Rey, we have to turn things around in La Liga.”
Looking ahead, the gaffer placed the win within a broader historical and competitive context. For a club with Valencia’s pedigree, the Copa del Rey remains a stage where ambition and tradition collide.
“It was important to be in the last group of eight teams. It’s a competition with tradition for Valencia CF. We’re going to keep competing.
“Now we are focused on Sunday’s match against Getafe CF, and will be taking care of every detail to compete in the best way that we want.”
As Valencia shift gears from cup action back to league duty, the manager’s message is clear: progression is welcome, confidence is growing, but the real challenge lies in sustaining that intensity across all fronts.
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