Valencia president Juan Bautista Soler has criticised his players following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat away to Primera Liga newcomers Getafe.
“This isn’t a Valencia side — it hurts me to see these players claim they play for Valencia,” Soler told Radio Nou.
“The team that won was the side that showed most guts and it is clear that they deserved to get more from the match than us.”
“You speak to the players and they say they are committed, but then you see them perform and they show nothing. They have to understand that they have to give everything if they want to play for Valencia.”
After a promising start to the season, Valencia’s form ghas evaporated in recent weeks. They have not won in nine games and face elimination from the Champions League.
The Valencia president said he would stand by coach Claudio Ranieri, who took over in the close season following Rafa Benitez’s departure to Liverpool.
“In situations like this you have to count to 10 before making a decision,” he said.
“The coach is doing the right thing – he’s selecting the players that any fan would have selected. He’s not the one who scores the goals. We can’t throw in the towel.”
Ranieri said the defeat at Getafe was his side’s worst performance of the season, but insisted: “This is just a bad run, although it is incredible that it has lasted for so long.
“I will continue fighting, I won’t be giving up and I hope the players will join me as we have got to get out of this situation as soon as possible.”
