Celta Vigo vs Cordoba C.F. preview - Not last chance saloon - Fontas

Posted Friday, January 30, 2015 by PA

Celta Vigo defender Andreu Fontas has denied that Saturday's game against Cordoba is the last chance to keep coach Eduardo Berizzo in his job.

The Galicians have not won any of their last 10 Primera Division games and are now just five points off the relegation zone, and although Fontas knows things must improve, he does not think the situation is critical.

"This is not an easy nor nice situation, nor one we wanted or expected, but the dressing room is united and convinced that we can turn this around," he told a press conference.

"The game against Cordoba is key for us but we are not seeing it as an ultimatum. There is a lot at stake, but it is not a final for us."

Celta have taken just one point from their four league games of 2015, and suffered particularly disappointing defeats at Espanyol and Getafe in their last two matches.

Fontas said: "We did not play well at all. We didn't take the initiative in those games and the team is hurt on a psychological level.

"It's understandable when you go so long without winning that doubts start to seep in. But now more than ever we need to be strong and believe in our chances."

In contrast to Celta's hapless start to the year, Cordoba have taken seven points in 2015 and last week were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Real Madrid after producing an impressive performance against the European champions.

"They have been playing a lot better in the last few games," said Fontas.

"They have improved a lot and they have signed very well in the transfer window. It's going to be a very difficult game but I have faith in my team."

Despite Cordoba's resurgent form, Miroslav Djukic's side remain just two points above the relegation zone, and the coach insisted he would not let his players drop their work rate from now until the end of the season.

"It's my task to put pressure on the players and make sure they don't get complacent, and I have been working them hard this week," the Serbian told a press conference.

"We have got out of the emergency room, we are recovering but now we want to go home, but with humility, and to do that we have to keep working."

Cordoba will be without forward Federico Cartabia through suspension as he was sent off against Real Madrid, while Celta defender Jonny Castro is also suspended.