Mark
Apr 11 2002, 08:48 PM
Deportivo La Coruna president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro has reserved a decision on coach Javier Irureta's future until the season is over following the crushing Champions' League defeat by Manchester United.
"We have decided to wait and see if the team qualifies for the Champions' League again before we act," he said. "Then, we will decide his future and meet again about extending his contract."
Irureta, who has been linked with Barcelona, stalled on signing a new deal last year, and then agreed to only a one-year contract, which sees him through this season. It is believed he is keen on a loosening of the purse strings at the Riazor.
He claimed at the time of last year's negotiations that he was being tracked by 'two former winners of the European Cup'. He also spoke of his desire to coach in Italy. "Roma, Lazio, Inter or Milan could tempt me," he admitted.
Spanish rivals Valencia had been prepared to double Irureta's wages if he went to the Mestalla to replace Hector Cuper, and there was a sense of relief at the Riazor when the former Racing Santander, Real Sociedad, Real Oviedo and Celta Vigo boss signed a new deal.
Lendoiro, however, has now cast a doubt over his future again. Despite that, the Depor president pronounced himself satisfied with the season so far, even after his side's inglorious European exit at Old Trafford.
"I just hope that next year we can keep this going at the European level. I am proud of our achievements and we should keep our aims high," he said.
"We must not forget either that there are still five games to go in the Spanish league and we must meet two of the teams above us.
"This is an extremely emotional time, and we need to be united to go out and get five victories."
"We have decided to wait and see if the team qualifies for the Champions' League again before we act," he said. "Then, we will decide his future and meet again about extending his contract."
Irureta, who has been linked with Barcelona, stalled on signing a new deal last year, and then agreed to only a one-year contract, which sees him through this season. It is believed he is keen on a loosening of the purse strings at the Riazor.
He claimed at the time of last year's negotiations that he was being tracked by 'two former winners of the European Cup'. He also spoke of his desire to coach in Italy. "Roma, Lazio, Inter or Milan could tempt me," he admitted.
Spanish rivals Valencia had been prepared to double Irureta's wages if he went to the Mestalla to replace Hector Cuper, and there was a sense of relief at the Riazor when the former Racing Santander, Real Sociedad, Real Oviedo and Celta Vigo boss signed a new deal.
Lendoiro, however, has now cast a doubt over his future again. Despite that, the Depor president pronounced himself satisfied with the season so far, even after his side's inglorious European exit at Old Trafford.
"I just hope that next year we can keep this going at the European level. I am proud of our achievements and we should keep our aims high," he said.
"We must not forget either that there are still five games to go in the Spanish league and we must meet two of the teams above us.
"This is an extremely emotional time, and we need to be united to go out and get five victories."