Ernesto Valverde told a Press conference before this weekend’s game at Sevilla he is unmoved by reports linking him with Barcelona.
The 49-year-old, who has guided Valencia to the brink of a Champions League spot since taking over last December, reminded reporters that Tito Vilanova is in charge at the Camp Nou and still overcoming a serious illness.
“Normally you tend to like it when you are linked with a great club. That is not the case here because the Barca Coach is going through a difficult situation. I am not aware of any interest,” he asserted.
On the crucial match against Sevilla where Valencia can guarantee a Champions League play-off place, and also nearest rivals Real Sociedad’s game at Deportivo La Coruna, Valverde explained how his players must approach the 90 minutes.
“We know Depor are trying to avoid relegation but we must assume that where the two teams are playing for a lot at stake, then Real Sociedad will win. We can’t adopt any other attitude because that would be dangerous,” he said.
Valverde may have to go into the game without Argentine midfielder Tino Costa and Paraguayan striker Nelson Valdez, who have ankle and Achilles tendon problems respectively and are major doubts.
