Valencia coach Carlos Corberan believes Sadiq Umar’s first goal with his side would boost his self—confidence.
Valencia on Tuesday became the first team to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024-25 Copa del Rey after they defeated Ourense 2-0.
Despite a dominant opening half, Valencia were unable to find a goal but they managed to make the breakthrough only five minutes into the second period as the unfortunate Fran Carmona turned the ball into his own net.
Ourense, who currently play in the third tier of Spanish football, pushed hard for an equaliser after falling behind, but it was Valencia that double their lead as Umar scored his first goal for Los Che following his loan move from Real Sociedad earlier this week.
An impressed coach Corberan who moved to Valencia from West Bromwich Albion last December, underlined the importance of Umar’s first goal.
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“He has shown that he thrives close to goal. He made a solo move, scoring an important goal, and that goal will surely give him the confidence to score many more,” the 41-year-old coach told the club’s website. “ I’m satisfied with the minutes he played, and they will help him to continue growing as a footballer. “
He added: “The goal, as a forward, gives him a bit of confidence that is important to continue helping in that aspect. I have seen a Sadiq with a lot of desire and that will to play, to get back to his best and score goals. I also want to increase his desire to contribute to the game at all times.”
The 27-year-old Umar joined Valencia on a season-long loan following a torrid period at Real Sociedad occasioned by a knee injury.
