Valencia CF is moving quickly to find a new head coach following the dismissal of Rubén Baraja, who was let go after the team’s disappointing performance this season. The club has targeted Carlos Corberán, the current manager of West Bromwich Albion, as their primary candidate to take over the reins at Mestalla.
Corberán has emerged as the favorite after the club struggled to come to terms with former coach Quique Sánchez Flores. Sources close to Valencia CF indicate Corberán has expressed willingness to step up to the challenge and manage Valencia, which currently sits dangerously close to the relegation zone, just four points from safety.
At just 41 years old, Corberán already has considerable coaching experience, particularly in the English Championship. His track record includes leading Huddersfield Town to the brink of Premier League promotion before transitioning to West Bromwich Albion, where he has had considerable success.
West Brom is currently enjoying a solid campaign, positioned seventh in the Championship, making his potential departure more complex. According to reports from COPE Spain, Corberán has a release clause of £2 million (approximately €2.4 million). This exit fee presents a significant challenge for Valencia, who must negotiate with West Brom to secure his services.
Despite these financial hurdles, internal sources at Valencia CF have indicated Corberán’s arrival would provide the much-needed energy and rejuvenation the squad currently lacks. Fans and team officials hope his high-energy coaching style will help rally the players, who are feeling the strain of their current standings.
Corberán’s managerial philosophy is heavily influenced by his time working under renowned coach Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, where he served as Bielsa’s assistant. His methodology, which emphasizes ball possession and aggressive pressing, could be just what Valencia needs to revive their current campaign.
Despite Valencia’s struggles this season, Corberán has kept close tabs on the team, nurturing his long-standing passion for the club. Growing up just outside Valencia, he joined the youth ranks of the club and has always felt connected to the area. "Valencia has a very special sentiment..." he has been quoted saying, expressing his desire to see the team thrive.
The negotiations between Valencia and West Brom appear to be advancing, and the Valencia board is reportedly set on paying Corberán's release clause if necessary. The board's aim is to have him installed before the team returns from the Christmas break, with pressing fixtures on the horizon including their January 3 matchup against Real Madrid.
Historically, Valencia has been one of the prominent clubs within Spanish football, but diminishing performances over recent seasons have put them at risk of relegation. The urgency behind the manager search stems from not only immediate results but also the long-term aspirations of the club to regain their standing within La Liga.
Corberán, whose managerial career began as assistant at Villarreal before branching out to clubs across multiple leagues, has built respect and credibility within coaching circles. His rapid rise through the ranks has brought him to England, where his tactical acumen has been tested and proven.
The challenge now lies with both clubs—to come to terms on Corberán’s release and for Valencia to accept the financial burden of executing the clause. With the league resuming soon, time is of the essence.
If Valencia can secure Corberán, it would mark not just the beginning of another chapter for the club, but perhaps the pivotal turning point as they aspire to climb out of their current slump. The expectant fans at Mestalla are eager for signs of revival, and the prospect of bringing back homegrown talent seems like the silver lining during these tough times.
Valencia CF is hopeful for swift progress. Reminders of the vibrant team history and passionate fan base loom large, indicating they need to take the right steps to return to those glorious days. With Carlos Corberán potentially at the helm, the club's supporters might just have the reason to hope again.
