PASSARELLA DENIES SACK RUMOURS

PARMA coach Daniel Passarella's future at the Ennio Tardini is the subject of intense speculation.

The former Argentina and River Plate boss has already found himself under intense pressure just less than a month since replacing Renzo Ulivieri.

According to reports in Italy, Passarella could be on the verge of the sack after four successive defeats.

Parma have slipped into the relegation zone after Sunday's 3-2 defeat to Udinese after leading 2-0.

Reports have suggested that the club were lining up a swoop for former coach Nevio Scala to replace Passarella with also Fiorentina boss Roberto Mancini and Piacenza coach Walter Novellio linked with the job.

Passarella has denied the reports that his job is on the line and that his future will depend on results in the Uefa Cup against Brondby and Roma in Serie A this weekend

"I don't really want to comment on these rumours," said Passarella. "I know that this club and the President are with me."

"I've met with them and they have confirmed their faith in me. This is important in order for us to keep working in the best possible conditions."

"I'm well aware of the situation that we currently find ourselves in. But I'm an optimist. When I arrived here I knew that we would be facing some problems - at least at the beginning," he added.

"Maybe this side seems to get a bit more bad luck than it deserves. But morale is high and it is vital that we show this morale on the pitch too. This is what we haven't been able to do up to now."