Hansi Flick, Carlos Corberan's Biggest Fear

BARCELONA, SATURDAY – Hansi Flick is a rare example where effort may betray results. Carlos Corberan has tried many ways to defeat Flick but has always ended in failure.

In the previous two matches, Barcelona under Flick has consistently been the team that smiles at the end. The third opportunity for Corberan to overcome his greatest fear presents itself as Valencia challenges Barcelona at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Barcelona, Spain, on Monday (15/9/2025) at 02:00 WIB.

Two defeats for Corberan even occurred with striking scores. Valencia conceded a total of 12 goals in two matches while managing to score only one goal. This embarrassing defeat feels disproportionate to Corberan's hard efforts to compete with Flick. Long before the match, Corberan watched many Barca games and analyzed the weaknesses of Flick's high defensive line system.

In the first meeting, Corberan employed a four-defender system to counter the quality of Barca's front line. This effort failed, and he attempted to strengthen the defense by implementing a five-defender system in the second meeting. Unfortunately for Corberan, his efforts were once again thwarted by Flick.

Finding that his efforts have not yet yielded results, Corberan described it as quite painful. Moreover, the failure came with a resounding score. Corberan is determined to achieve a positive outcome in his third meeting with Flick.

"Last year we experienced two painful matches against them. No one likes to lose, especially in such a manner. At that time, the defeat was painful, and we tried to turn it into anger and motivation to show that this loss does not represent the current team's composition," said Corberan during a press conference ahead of the match, as quoted from Diario AS, Saturday (13/9/2025).

Valencia released 13 players and brought in 10 players during the summer transfer window. One of Valencia's new signings that successfully captured attention is left winger Arnaut Danjuma, who was acquired for free from Villarreal.

So far, Danjuma has contributed one goal in three matches. His role has been quite central after playing twice as a starter and once as a substitute. Corberan is optimistic that his team's composition this season can yield different results.

Thorough preparations have been made by Corberan to challenge Flick's hegemony over him. As usual, Corberan analyzes Barcelona's playing style this season, which is not significantly different from the previous season.

Flick has transformed Barcelona into a team that plays more vertically, thereby reducing space in attacking. In other words, attacks are increasingly initiated directly from the back line.

Two defeats have provided valuable lessons for Corberan. He admitted to gaining some insights to be used as tactics to anticipate Barca's vertical play in the style of Flick.

"We (occasionally) played with four or five defenders. For me now, what is important is not the formation, but the concentration and response to whatever happens in the match," he stated.

Not only does Corberan have a poor record against Flick. In recent seasons, Valencia has also been more inferior against Barca, especially in away matches. The only recent victory for Valencia at Barca's home ground occurred in April 2016. At that time, the "Blaugrana" was still reinforced by the trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez (MSN).

The only remaining player from Valencia in that match is Jose Gaya. The 30-year-old left-back has now become one of the most senior players at Valencia and also holds the position of team captain.

If Gaya operates on the left side, the right side of Valencia's defense will almost certainly belong to Thierry Correia. The 26-year-old player from Portugal has recovered from a long injury.

The return of Correia to the team boosts the motivation of other Valencia players. Correia has advantages in terms of physicality and endurance. He is capable of moving up and down to assist both the attack and defense.

"He is a right-back with above-average physical abilities, possessing very high explosiveness and speed. He will undoubtedly be a very important player," said Corberan.

In addition to the return of Correia, the motivation of the Valencia players is also multiplying after securing a victory in the previous match against Getafe. This condition contrasts with Barca, which failed to continue its positive trend after being held to a draw by Rayo Vallecano.

After achieving two consecutive victories at the start of the season, the draw has halted Barca's momentum. Corberan will not waste this opportunity to defeat Flick, who has become his greatest fear.