Marcelino: If the owner decides to get rid of the coach, I have to respect his decision Valencia CF His future is in doubt

Valencia head coach Marcelino Garcia Toral has pointed out that he is doing everything in his power to take the project forward, despite mounting pressure regarding his future.

He says he is aware of the meeting between the club's hierarchy, which will take place in Singapore, and has also stated that if he is to be sacked now or further down the line, it is merely something he will have to come to terms with and respect.

The coach's job has come under scrutiny after Valencia have found it difficult to hit their stride of late, with Los Che drawing 1-1 at home to Real Valladolid at the weekend, and people are beginning to wonder whether a change in personnel might be required.

"My job strengthens me and it gives me comfort," he said.

"I do not feel anything else because we are not winning at the moment and all I want to do is win.

"I have never been given an ultimatum; it is a personal matter.

"We are winners and when we do not win, we cause disappointment.

"The other day [against Valladolid], we deserved to win but we just were not capable of turning it into a victory.

"That is what saddens me the most.

"It has happened to us a lot just lately and when it happens frequently, we begin to feel disillusioned.

"I was already aware of the meeting before the game and I am not worried because if the owner decides he wants to get rid of the coaching staff then there is nothing I can do about it and I have to respect his decision.

"I am convinced that we are on the right track and because of that I am optimistic and confident that our luck will soon change.

"We have scored 17 goals from 263 chances.

"This is something that has to change; it cannot last forever."

Marcelino walking by the Sporting Gijon bus last week. / J. A. Sanz

Despite the disappointing results, the Valencia players remain behind their coach.

"How do I feel?" Marcelino pondered.

"I feel very grateful.

"When players publicly show solidarity towards their coach in tough times, it is very comforting.

"We are all in this together and we are all suffering, so to feel respected and wanted by your players is a great feeling."

Valencia lost 2-1 away to Sporting Gijon in the first leg of their Copa del Rey tie and they will meet at Mestalla on Tuesday night for the return fixture, with a big performance needed by Marcelino's side.

"I expect an intense, dynamic and quick Sporting side," he said.

"We know what to expect from them and what challenges they will bring with them.

"But we are playing at home so we are expected to win the match.

"We know that Sporting will give it their all to come away with the victory and it is important that we do not get complacent in order to avoid a repeat of what happened to Eibar in the [last round as Sporting knocked them out].

"We know that it will be a tough match and we will have to be at our best and not concede in order to make it through to the next round."