Ronald Koeman and Frank Rijkaard were both hugely successful as players with the Netherlands and Barcelona, but the Dutch coaching duo are experiencing difficult times as they struggle to match the high expectations at Valencia and Barcelona respectively.
Koeman has been Valencia coach for just three months, but angry fans called for his head after the 2004 champions fell to 11th in the standings following last Saturday's 1-0 loss at Almeria.
"I am not going to run away after a few months," Koeman said. "The club is in a crisis, but now is not the time to look for someone to blame."
Koeman gained some breathing space on Tuesday when Valencia overcame Atletico Madrid to reach the semi-finals of the Kings Cup but they need to transfer that form to the league when they travel to Valladolid tomorrow.
Valencia, who have failed to win in their last nine league outings, are just five points clear of the relegation zone.
Things are not as serious for Rijkaard with his Barcelona side perched second in the league but the huge nine-point deficit behind Real Madrid has prompted speculation that possible replacements, including former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, are already being lined up.
Barcelona host Osasuna in the league tomorrow.
"We won't throw in the towel," Barca midfielder Xavi said. "Of course nine points is a big gap but it could be worse."
The champagne is on ice in Madrid with no one really expecting champions Real to squander their nine-point cushion but Italy's World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro knows first hand that nothing is impossible.
"I remember one occasion at Juventus when we had a 10-point gap over AC Milan with five games left and in the end they finished above us," Cannavaro said.
Real travel to Almeria today hoping for a ninth consecutive league win although they have doubts over Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Van Nistelrooy, the club's top scorer with 12, could not train because of a bout of gastroenteritis and is touch and go for the Almeria match.
While Real are powering to their title defense, Atletico have looked a shadow of themselves since suffering the 2-0 derby defeat to Real 11 days ago.
Two league defeats and the midweek cup exit to Valencia have shattered confidence as Atletico, currently fourth, try to get back on the right path at home against Real Murcia today.
"I hope the cup elimination does not affect the mood of the team," Atletico coach Javier Aguirre said.
With Real and Barca appearing to seal off the top two places a five-way battle for the two other Champions League places has begun.
Third-placed Villarreal, who are a point above Atletico, entertain Real Mallorca tomorrow, while Espanyol, two points behind in fifth, travel to Getafe on the same day.
Surprise package Racing Santander lie sixth in La Liga and will travel to bottom side Levante tomorrow.
Sevilla are eight points behind Atletico hope to make up ground when they face struggling Recreativo tomorrow.
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