Sevilla´s Navarro stands by coach

Sevilla defender Fernando Navarro refuses to be drawn on speculation surrounding the future of coach Gregorio Manzano.

Manzano has only been in charge for six months but with the club 13 points off the Champions League qualification places, the 54-year-old is reportedly already fighting to keep his job at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Out-of-favour players Martin Caceres and Javi Varas have publicly criticised Manzano’s methods in the past week, but full-back Navarro opted not to join the dissenters.

“At the moment, Gregorio Manzano is our manager,” Navarro said.

“He is the one leading us as we look to reach our targets. It is not for me to talk about managers or signings.”

Sevilla face Racing Santander away from home in La Liga on Saturday and Navarro is expecting a tough challenge.

“We have a tough game on Saturday and there is little time for us to make a comeback, so we have to win on Saturday and get back on form,” he said.

“The reality of the situation is that we are seventh and we will need to have a very good second half of the season if we are going to finish third or fourth.”

“We have to go step-by-step, aiming for the Champions League but being realistic about the fact that sixth is closer at the moment. Whilst there are still points to be won and we still have the squad, I’m sure that it is possible.”