Copa Del Rey: Valencia Coach Refuses To Blame Sadiq

Copa Del Rey: Valencia Coach Refuses To Blame Sadiq

Sampson Adedeji

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán has refused to apportion blame to Super Eagles forward Sadiq Umar following the club’s 2–1 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Spanish side were knocked out of the competition on Wednesday night after a dramatic encounter at the Mestalla, with Sadiq finding the net at both ends in a game that proved decisive for Los Che.

Despite the Nigerian striker’s unfortunate own goal, Corberán was quick to defend his player, insisting the incident should not define his overall contribution to the team.

“I didn’t see Sadiq’s gesture, but I understand he was eager to score, and an own goal is always painful,” the Valencia boss said after the match.

“He’s contributed a lot of hard work, and no player wants to suffer an own goal.”

The coach’s comments reflect the club’s support for the Super Eagles forward, who has continued to work tirelessly since joining Valencia, even as the team’s Copa del Rey campaign came to an end on home soil.