Valverde to take gentle approach at Valencia
Reuters - Friday 07 December 2012, 12:29
New Valencia coach Ernesto Valverde plans to take a softly, softly approach as he tries to get the club's disappointing La Liga campaign back on track.
"You put out fires with a bit of water, not with petrol," the former Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao coach told a news conference on Friday after taking charge of his first training session.
"I believe the players enjoy playing well and that's what we will try to do. We have to take it step by step but win.
"We are under pressure and I am aware of that."
Valverde was appointed this week in place of Mauricio Pellegrino, who was sacked despite leading the team into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Unpopular president Manuel Llorente fired the Argentine after last weekend's 5-2 defeat at home to Real Sociedad which left Valencia in 12th place and in danger of missing out on a place in Europe next season.
Valencia, who have 18 points from 14 games, play at struggling Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday.