“No limitations” – Valencia head coach explains Sadiq Umar’s gametime struggle

Valencia's head coach, Carlos Corberan, has explained why Super Eagles forward, Sadiq Umar, has struggled to get consistent game time since joining the club in January, Soccernet.ng reports.

Since moving to Estadio de Mestella from Real Sociedad in January, the former Rangers striker has completed 90 minutes in a Valencia shirt just twice.

Nevertheless, Sadiq has been crucial off the bench for Corberan's side, scoring five goals, with the latest in their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano yesterday.

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Despite Sadiq's limited gametime under Corberan, he's played more minutes in a Valencia shirt for the second half of the season than he did in the first half of the 2024/2025 campaign in Sociedad. Following his goal against Rayo Vallecano yesterday, the Spanish manager explained why the Nigerian attacker has struggled for minutes.

“At no point has this club placed any limits on any player. In fact, in the Real Sociedad game, it was an injury that prevented Sadiq from playing. Imagine the level of commitment we have to achieving the objective. I've never had any limitations; quite the opposite,” the former West Bromwich Albion coach said in quotes relayed by Valencia's official website.

Valencia were in a relegation battle when Corberan took over the coaching reins. Now, the one-time UEFA Europa League winners are just five points behind the UEFA Conference League qualification spots with six league games left to play.

Quizzed about the possibility of qualifying for European competitions, the 42-year-old played it down.

“It's not possible to talk about any new objectives without having achieved the first one yet. The team have to keep adding points, and there is a lot of work ahead. The target will require a lot of effort and dedication.

“I came here in a situation of extreme need and with the absolute commitment to give my all to the cause we had, and I give that every minute. The squad do as well.

“There's been a very important reaction from them in terms of generosity, dedication, and fighting spirit, defending the values of this club and giving our all so that our fans can regain joy and identification with the team,” Corberan concluded.

Up next for Valencia is a clash against Espanyol, who are level on points with Los Che on the La Liga table.