Deportivo La Coruna legend Juan Carlos Valeron has stressed his admiration for recently sacked Coach Jose Luis Oltra.
The veteran midfielder, who has made 14 starts this season, spoke as Depor returned to training after a winter break which has seen Oltra fired and replaced by Domingos Pacienca.
“Rarely in my career have I met people like him on a human level,” the 37-year-old told reporters. “These are unpleasant situations that no one likes. The players also feel responsible, but that is football and there is not much we can do. The club decided it was best and we have to support the new Coach and make sure we stay in the Primera Division.”
Valeron then explained some of the changes Pacienca has implemented, as Saturday’s game against Malaga comes into focus.
“More emphasis is on changing the mentality to deal with what comes next. Above all we need to much more organised and work harder to create pressure in certain areas. This will be a complicated game against a very good opponent.”
The former Spanish international ended by stating his willingness to sit on the bench if it was in the club’s interests.
“Right now the most important thing is the team, we are in a situation where we cannot think on an individual level, there must be a willingness to help the team and the Coach.”
