Emery calls for support after Getafe defeat
Reuters - Sunday 25 March 2012, 08:37
Valencia coach Unai Emery urged
the club's disgruntled fans to get behind the team after
Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Getafe put their chances of taking
third place in La Liga in serious peril.
Pressure has been building on Emery due to the club's
erratic form. Levante, the season's surprise packages, play at Valencia's
Mestalla stadium in the local derby next weekend.
"Now after the defeat there will be those demanding
solutions," Emery said at a news conference. "Decisions are
taken on a day-to-day basis and those that are taken will come
when they are ready.
"I have to stay firm. I have to keep my chin up so that
nobody gives me a slap on the back of the head."
Saturday's defeat was their second in a row following last
week's 2-1 home reverse to bottom side Real Zaragoza, when they
also let slip a one-goal lead.
The result prompted many fans to wave white handkerchiefs,
the traditional sign in Spain of discontent with the coach.
"The team is not in a good state and we have to recover,"
Emery said.
"Now I offer hard work and dedication. The supporters have
to be behind the team and if they do that we will go forward."
Valencia play their Europa League quarter-final first leg at
Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on March 29.