Carlos Corberán left West Bromwich Albion in December and went on a rescue mission at his hometown club Valencia. The manager had also been in Valencia’s youth system and then their B-team when he was trying to make it as a player.
Although the Spaniard had a West Brom contract lasting until 2027, he couldn’t resist the chance to be the man to drag Valencia back from the claws of relegation and bring some optimism to the club again.
It looked a mighty task and that Corberán may be making a mistake, set to find himself in Spain’s Segunda Division and in a club financially at sea. Instead, he’s helped change the whole outlook and things are looking better both on and off the pitch.
Valencia are now 10th in La Liga and well away from any relegation fears. Indeed, qualifying for Europe isn’t yet ruled out.
Local newspaper Levante EMV report that since the manager arrived from West Brom he’s had the lowest league defeat percentage of any Valencia manager… ever!
Levante EMV state: ‘The former West Bromwich manager currently has the lowest percentage of defeats in La Liga (16.67%) in the history of the club, according to ‘Ciberche’. They improve on Nuno (17.65%), Valverde (20.83%), Benítez (21.05%), Marcelino (21.52%), Espárrago (21.93%), and Cubells (24.36%).’
That is quite a remarkable achievement and underlines just how well Corberán has done.
Asked today about the affection he receives from Valencia fans, Cope quote the manager as saying: “I don’t consider myself a hero. I’m a person who dedicates himself to his job. I’m from this city, and I take great responsibility for the things I do. You have to give to the fans, never ask for anything. I’m going to give my all so they feel proud of the players and the coach.”
