Emery's Valencia future on line at Bernabeu
Reuters - Thursday 05 April 2012, 09:16
Under-fire Valencia coach Unai
Emery should have a clearer idea of his future prospects at the
club after they have played La Liga leaders Real Madrid at the
Bernabeu on Sunday evening.
A worst case scenario could see them denied a place in the
Europa League semi-finals by AZ Alkmaar, and shoved out of third
place and La Liga's last Champions League automatic
qualification slot.
Valencia trail AZ Alkmaar 2-1 ahead of Thursday's second leg
at the Mestalla, where fans have whistled them off in their last
few home games, while their flagging league form has seen them
notch only three wins in their last 14 outings.
A surprise victory at the Bernabeu, however, could boost the
standing of one of La Liga's longest serving coaches, who is not
expected to renew his contract at the end of the campaign should
he survive until then.
"I am used to the speculation over my future," Emery said on
Wednesday. "I continue with my work and take no notice of it,
and I don't see the players affected by it either."
Sunday's opponents Real, who booked their place in the Champions League
semi-finals on Wednesday, are closing on their first title in
four years and maintain a six-point lead over chasing Barcelona
with eight matches left to play.
Jose Mourinho's men have 78 points from 30 matches and with
100 goals scored to date have the league record of 107 set by
John Toshack's Real side in 1990 well within their reach.
Valencia are 30 points back in third, just one ahead of
fourth-placed Malaga, who host second-bottom Racing Santander on
Monday night.