MADRID // The Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has given his backing to coach Javier Aguirre ahead of their clash with Deportivo La Coruna at the Vicente Calderon tonight. Fans and local media have criticised Aguirre for his conservative tactics after Atletico only managed two wins from their last nine matches in all competitions. Their last outing, a 0-0 draw at home to third-tier Orihuela, put them through to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey 1-0 on aggregate, but saw the players whistled off the pitch at the end.
Cerezo has, though, been quick to back his man in the dugout. He said: "I have never had any doubts in Aguirre. The alarm bells ring when you have a bad run. The alarm bells are ringing here not because the coach's job is under threat but because of the team's poor performances. "They have created lots of chances but haven't put them away, unfortunately. I can understand why the fans get frustrated."
The CSKA Moscow forward Vagner Love claims Everton are keen to sign him, but has set his sights on a move to Real Madrid. The Brazilian is eager to leave Russia, where he tops the scoring charts with 17 strikes. "Until now the only concrete offer I have received came from Everton," he said. "There wasn't any contact [with Real Madrid] but it would be wonderful. Every player's dream is to represent Real."
* With agencies
