Soldado: If anyone’s to blame, it’s the players

Valencia striker and captain, Roberto Soldado defended the board and president, Manuel Llorente stating that the players are to blame for the poor performances on the pitch, not the decision-makers.

• By Tom Conn       Follow @TomConnISF
  

Following Valencia’s 0-1 loss to Rayo Vallecano at La Mestalla last weekend, the crowd called for the head of Llorente, demanding his resignation.

However, Soldado has defended Llorente and the board and accepted the responsibility for the team’s 11^th place standing.

“Everyone is free to think whatever they want, but if anyone is to blame, it’s those of us on the pitch that are responsible for the club’s current situation and only the players can do something and get the team back to winning ways.

“We feel the weight of that responsibility and if something has to be said, it should be directed at us and not at the board, which is where the fans are directing their anger.

“There is no margin for error. We’re seven points adrift of a Champions League place. It’s true that Malaga has a tougher run of fixtures, but we have to win if we want to make up ground on them. If we want to steal that fourth spot from them at the end of the season, we have to react quickly and beat Getafe any way we can.”