Valverde: Valencia are in crisis but I accept the challenge

Ernesto Valverde was unveiled as the new Valencia coach on Monday evening and in his first press conference had to beat away speculation that he had only signed a six-month contract with 'Los Ché' because he was intending on taking over from Marcelo Bielsa as the coach of Athletic Bilbao in the summer.

Valverde was coach of the Basque outfit between 2003-2005 and spent six years there as a player, but ruled out a return to San Mamés.

"I have signed for six months because that's what I was offered. I want to make this clear: I have made no verbal agreement with Athletic Bilbao, there is no clause in my contract, I have no problems with what I've been offered, and I trust in my ability," he said.

"I hope that the team will be able to get results so that I can continue here. I have never signed a contract for more than a year. I see a two-year contract as a long contract.

Valverde's last job was with Olympiacos, who he lead to the league title on three occasions and won the Greek Cup twice. In addition to the Greek side and Athletic Bilbao, Valverde has also managed Villarreal and Espanyol.

"I want to thank Valencia for showing faith in me and for giving me this chance," he added. "I'm proud to be here and I want to return the confidence they have shown in me by delivering results and good football."

Valverde was careful not to talk too much about the state of the team, as he thought it could be seen as an attack on Mauricio Pellegrino, who was sacked on Saturday after his team lost 2-5 at home to Real Sociedad.

"Anything I say about the state of the squad could be seen as criticism of the former coach, so I prefer not to comment on that. We have to maintain our strengths but we need to make improvements in some areas. I have the utmost respect for Pellegrino's work. I have to get the best out of the squad without saying too much for now, I am not a disloyal person."

He revealed that he would not travel with the team to France for Valencia's Champions League game on Wednesday, on the advice of president Manuel Llorente, meaning his first game in charge will be away to Osasuna next Saturday.

Valverde also recognised his ultimate aim would be to get Valencia back in the Champions League places by the end of the season, but knows that the next six months will not be an easy ride.

"Valencia's main aim has always been to qualify for the Champions League and I think it still is. That's a long term aim but I want the team to start playing with confidence again.

"This is the first time I've taken over a team in the middle of a season, it won't an easy job. I'm not going to beat around the bush: There is a crisis here and the fans are not happy with the way things are. That's not a criticism of the previous coach, but the results have provoked a sense of urgency. I accept the challenge and let's see how it goes."

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Source: AS