Flak doesn’t bother Pellegrino

Valencia Coach Mauricio Pellegrino is unperturbed by criticism of his team's early season performances.

Los Che have won just one of their first five games of the campaign and desperately need a result against Real Zaragoza tomorrow, but the 40-year-old tactician has hit out at those critics who believe he should be relieved of his duties at Mestalla.

“There are things more important that the Coach and the players,” he told a press conference this afternoon. “That is Valencia. I work for the club, not for good reviews. I do this so the team wins.

“Luckily in football there are always conflicting opinions.”

The former centre-back insisted squad morale is good despite the side lingering just above the relegation zone.

“It is all psychological. The mood is important, and of course the players would be anxious if they didn't know what to do, but that is not the case.

“What we have to do is make sure the team play well, at every point in the game. If we can get a clean sheet – great. But I'm more interested in the overall performance.”

Valencia have had a spate of injuries in recent weeks but Pellegrino thinks they are strong enough to cope.

“It is true that we've had problems with injury,” he said. “But these things occur in football and the team are prepared to deal with all situations. We already working on other options.

“Tomorrow against Zaragoza we have a great opportunity to show that the team is alive and well. Zaragoza though, are a team that closes down well and are comfortable in possession.”
 

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