Pochettino relaxed over future

Posted Saturday, November 17, 2012 by PA

Espanyol manager Mauricio Pochettino does not believe he will lose his job should his side suffer another defeat at Valencia.

The Argentinian was on the verge of leaving Los Pericos after four years in charge following last weekend's 3-0 defeat at home to Osasuna, which came amid a general uncertainty at the club with elections to appoint a new president.

However, Pochettino was convinced to stay on by chief executive Joan Collet and despite admitting the current situation at the club is far from ideal, he insisted off-field issues were no excuse for recent results.

He told AS: "The game will not decide anyone's future. However, as managers we depend on results and we are always at threat of the trigger, we have to accept that.

"It is not the best ground to cement the footballing basics but this can't serve as an excuse for not obtaining better results.

"It is important the team recovers good sensations because if we get the three points it would serve as an important injection of morale. It is a difficult game against a team with good footballers but we are aware of that."

The visitors will be without the suspended Christian Stuani, but Mubarak Wakaso returns from his ban and should start.

Valencia, meanwhile, have been two different sides at home and away this season.

Mauricio Pellegrino's men picked up only their second away point of the campaign at Real Valladolid last weekend but have won their last six games in all competitions at the Mestalla.

"On an emotional level we have ups and downs, like everyone does," Pellegrino told the club's website.

"Results are part of the profession and no one can win or lose eternally, but at home Valencia always has to play to win."

Los Che are, however, depleted by injuries and suspension as Aly Cissokho, Jeremy Mathieu and Joao Perreira all miss out, meaning 17-year-old Jose Luis Gaya will start at left-back.

Fernando Gago will also not be risked as Pellegrino does not want to make his ankle injury any worse ahead of the visit of Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

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