Ernesto Valverde says that the media attention on his contractual situation with Valencia is causing anxiety where there needn’t be.
The Coach is under scrutiny as talks over him extending his contract beyond its June expiry appear to not be progressing.
“The club are not forcing me,” commented Valverde on the situation at today’s Press conference.
“I am uncomfortable talking about this because it creates an obligation that things must be determined.
“I accept the media game, but there is no urgency. The urgency is to win on Sunday.”
Sunday sees Los Che travel out to Madrid to face third place Atletico Madrid. For Valverde, the danger man is clearly Radamel Falcao.
“It seems we all know the characteristics of the opponent. We will try to counter him and Diego Costa and the intensity of Atletico, but it is not always possible.
“We all know about Messi, Iniesta and Ronaldo and still when you play against them and they score a goal you are left wondering why.
“We just have to put six or seven markers on them. We intend to beat Atletico and try to not allow them to play the game they know. In any case, we will take into account Falcao.
“Diego Costa? He is in great form. He can lead the team, as can Falcao, but he also has the ability to not lose the ball. He is destabilising, as is Falcao. Perhaps he is even a bit better than the Colombian.”
The Coach was asked of Valencia’s hopes of stealing third place from Atleti by the end of the season.
“Even if we win they will have a 12-point lead. It will be very difficult, almost impossible. I am thinking towards fourth place, that is what we are fighting for. To be third, we would have to do everything perfectly and hope that they suffer a debacle.
“After Sunday there will only be nine games left…”
