MADRID (AFP) - Valencia's Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who is struggling to impose himself at the Spanish side, on Tuesday defended his decision to exile three veteran players from his squad.

"I am sure that I am more unpopular today with some people, for others I am not, but that is part of making a decision," he told reporters.

"If I don't have that power to decide things I can't coach a big team because there will always be a moment when you will have to make a decision," he added.

Last month Koeman told midfielder David Albelda, 30, striker Miguel Angel Angulo, 30, and goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, 37, that they no longer featured in his plans.

The Dutchman said on Tuesday that Valencia president Juan Soler was "totally in agreement" with the move and it was time to move on.

"What we have to do is not talk anymore about this topic, work, play well and win matches," said Koeman.

Soler however has said that Koeman had "temporarily" decided not to call up the trio who he stresses have not been sacked by the club.

Koeman, 44, took over at Valencia in October after Quique Flores was sacked.

Valencia were eliminated from the Champions League and are in seventh place in the 20-team Spanish league with 26 points, 15 fewer than leaders and defending champions Real Madrid.