The key points of Corberán's revolution: a change of proposal and consultations with Emery

Carlos Corberán (Cheste, Valencia, 42) is a deeply restless and studious coach: if something catches his attention, he studies it thoroughly. He's obsessed with his team's development. He's a self-made coach, enriched by a variety of sources: from the leadership of El Loco Bielsa to the tactical lessons of the maestro Unai Emery, whom he calls upon for consultations.

He was a complete unknown five months ago, managing West Bromwich Albion (Birmingham) in the English Second Division, when he was called up to replace a Valencia legend on the bench at Mestalla, Rubén Baraja, in a desperate situation for Valencia CF, bottom of the table, seven points from safety . And he has managed to rescue them with four games remaining, with eight wins, six draws, and only three defeats (against Madrid, Barça, and Atlético Madrid). In his 17 games in charge, they are fifth in the League, ahead of Simeone's Atlético Madrid, and only surpassed by Barça, Madrid, Betis, and Villarreal.

The feat contains footballing pillars. The first was to strengthen the attack. Baraja's defensive numbers weren't all bad. And the new coaching staff warned that the greatest room for improvement lay in the attack . How? Overcoming the opponent's pressure, getting into the opposition's half, creating scoring chances. Pipo Baraja wanted to avoid losses in midfield and ordered them to skip it. Corberán's intention was antagonistic. He ordered them to play more inside in midfield, generate advantages, and be much more in touch with the ball. The player who benefited most was Javi Guerra , who scored three very similar goals: attacking the spaces inside the box and taking advantage of his excellent shot with both feet. The players happily internalized the model. So did the fans.

Even César Tárrega , a rough-looking center back whom Barajas required to send the ball into the stands in a pinch , was ready to play the ball. He had the trust of the new bench. The team's starting lineup was what coaches call a three-box formation , a model often used by Emery in England: a 3-4-3 structure, with the four midfielders in two different heights, creating interior advantages.

Goalkeeper Mamardashvili, somewhat clumsy with the ball, also helps in the build-ups to disorganize the opposition. He's a more competitive player . The Georgian keeper made a mistake in a pass against Valladolid, costing him a goal, but Corberán didn't doubt his starting spot: he's the best. All the players have improved exponentially. Diego López was a winger with Barajas and now occupies the entire front line; he's an expansive forward, with seven goals and five assists. Hugo Duro has taken over from Umar Sadik (4) with 10 goals. And Barrenechea, the Argentine midfielder on loan from Aston Villa, has been uninhibited in moving the ball long behind the defense.

Corberán's West Bromwich wasn't like Valencia CF because it had a different profile of players. At Mestalla, he also found a very young and homegrown squad. "For them, it wasn't the team they worked for, but rather it was their team since they were little," explains a locker room source . And added to this was the Mestalla effect: six of the eight wins have come at home, supported by a crowd that loved Corberán's approach from the first minute. The first was a last-minute defeat to Madrid after two errors by Hugo Guillamón. Then there was revenge, and Valencia CF won at the Bernabéu against all odds almost 20 years later.

And what will happen next season? "I have no idea," the club says. Peter Lim , the majority shareholder, is unpredictable. He hasn't lifted a finger on the matter. Some players are on loan (Barrenechea and Sadiq), others have already been sold (Mamardahsvili to Liverpool for 35 million), and others will probably be sold (Javi Guerra, Mosquera, and Diego López are the most sought-after). But Corberán will continue doing his thing: exploring and seeking tactical solutions, answering questions over the phone with Unai Emery. The hardest part of a heroic feat is maintaining it over time or improving it.

Carlos Corberán (Cheste, Valencia, 42) is a deeply restless and studious coach: if something catches his attention, he studies it thoroughly. He's obsessed with his team's development. He's a self-made coach, enriched by a variety of sources: from the leadership of El Loco Bielsa to the tactical lessons of the maestro Unai Emery, whom he calls upon for consultations.