Why Valencia’s Trip to Alavés Puts an Interim Coach’s Fix to the Test
Valencia arrive at Estadio de Mendizorroza on Tuesday with one point from five La Liga matches, the worst start in their history. Deportivo Alavés sit fourth, with ten points, a +6 goal differential, and a home record that has yet to include a loss. The 2 p.m. ET kickoff streams on ESPN+.
That gap in the table is not the only story. Valencia fired Carlos Corberán on Sunday, leaving B team coach Óscar Sánchez to take the team to Vitoria with almost no time to imprint his ideas. According to OneFootball, Sánchez has prioritized greater defensive solidity and clearer routes to goal. The problem: the defense is in pieces.
Only Justin De Haas remains as a senior center-back. The Athletic lists Umar Sadiq, Cesar Tarrega, Dimitri Foulquier, and Mouctar Diakhaby as unavailable. OneFootball reports that Sánchez may have to promote Íker Córdoba or Alejandro Panach from the youth ranks, or drop midfielder Pepelu into the back line. Guido Rodríguez and Luis Rioja are back for midfield, which helps, but the back line remains a patchwork.
Valencia's attacking numbers are just as bleak. They have scored once in five matches and conceded ten, with a 0-0 draw against Celta followed by losses to Betis, Deportivo, Barcelona, and Sevilla.
Alavés are not a forgiving opponent. Lucas Boyé has four goals in four games, eighth in La Liga. The Athletic notes that Alavés' goal differential ranks third in the division and that they have conceded only five goals behind goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. Mariano Díaz has found form again, and Antonio Blanco has been central to their midfield. OneFootball adds that Alavés have won every game at Mendizorroza and have scored in 17 straight matches.
There is also a personal angle. Alavés coach Quique Sánchez Flores is a former Valencia player and coach. OneFootball says he will take the measure of this new reality at Mendizorroza.
Alavés also have absences. Mikel Rodríguez and Facundo Garcés are out with ACL ruptures, and Aitor Mañas suffered a head injury at El Sardinero, was discharged on Sunday, and traveled home by road.
For Valencia, the stakes go beyond Tuesday's three points. With an interim coach, a makeshift defense, and the worst start in club history, the trip to Alavés will show whether Sánchez can organize a team in crisis against an in-form home side. Alavés, meanwhile, are chasing momentum ahead of the international break. The contrast is stark.