Carlos Colberán: We played positively on the field, but there is still room for improvement in the team's overall cohesion.

Valencia CF head coach Carlos Colberán spoke after the match about the team's 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano in the 36th round of La Liga.  

After the match, Carlos Colberán said, "I wouldn't say the team lacked ambition; I'd rather say we missed opportunities because we didn't get the three points. It wasn't a matter of lacking ambition, but rather a lack of fluidity in the game and a lack of impact at crucial moments. We couldn't contain Rayo Vallecano, which was our goal."  

“I think Valencia played more on emotion than reason in the early stages of the game. We were too eager to launch quick attacks, which did create some opportunities for Xavi Guerra and Rioja, but the opponent also won penalties, scored goals, and launched several quick counter-attacks, posing a threat to us. Overly pursuing passion for total domination can sometimes make the team lose its organization. The team started with great momentum, but lacked the necessary organization and coordination, which made the team look out of place.”  

"We showed energy and passion in the game, but lacked sufficient organization and overall cohesion, ultimately failing to translate that energy into positive results. After moving Unai to right-back, the team's stability improved, the full-backs contributed less to the attack, Luiz played with his non-dominant foot, and Diego appeared more in the central position. Valencia then regained control of the game, but failed to create any truly threatening chances. In the second half, we spent more time in the opponent's half and performed better overall than Rayo Vallecano, but it was still not enough to beat such an opponent."  

"When the fans at Mestalla Stadium give their all like they do today, it's normal for them to be disappointed if we can't live up to their expectations. That's reality. As the team's manager, I have to accept that. When we don't achieve the desired results, especially with such strong support from our home fans, we have to accept criticism because that's football, and it's our responsibility."  

“We are focused on being in top form for the final stages of the season, while also learning from past experiences and continuously improving in every game. This year, we have struggled to achieve consecutive wins and truly control the flow of the game. In the upcoming matches, we need to maintain the positive qualities the team has already demonstrated and strive to translate them into points.”  

When discussing substitutions during the match, Carlos Colberán said, "I never underestimate any opponent. As the game progressed, we gradually took control of the game, but our attacking performance declined somewhat. Rayo Vallecano's attacking threat also diminished, as they actually had opportunities to extend their lead early in the game. Our substitutions were made to secure the victory; we took off a defensive midfielder and brought on a midfielder, swapped a striker for a striker, and replaced another midfielder with an attacking midfielder."  

“These substitutions were made to try and win the game, not because the players were performing poorly. Every player on the field is contributing to the team, but we also trust the players on the bench and believe they can help. Just like in the last game, Ramazzani and Sadiq played key roles after coming on as substitutes. We must maximize the potential of every player, and all the players who were substituted actually performed very well.”  

“Our current thinking is that there are still games to play, and in such an unpredictable season, no one can guarantee anything in advance. There are still six points to fight for, and Valencia must fight for every point. In a few days, we will have an important game against a strong team, and the team must show its best form. I don’t think we can feel safe yet. At this position, no one can let their guard down. We must continue to work hard and strive to get every point.”  

Image source: Internet/Valencia official website