Despondent Glenn Loovens backs Carlos Carvalhal to lift Sheffield Wednesday up again

Uncertainty regarding the future of the Portuguese, who took over at Hillsborough in June 2015, surfaced earlier this week with national reports linking former Newcastle United and Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew with the Wednesday job – regardless of whether the club achieved promotion or not.

Following the Owls’ elimination from the Championship play-offs at the hands of Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town on Wednesday evening, Carvalhal’s position is likely to come under the microscope further in the coming days. Speaking after his side’s penalty shoot-out exit, the 51-year-old said that he would speak to Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri.

Carvalhal, who is currently Yorkshire’s longest-serving boss – having been appointed back in June 2015 – maintains a strong working relationship with Chansiri, with the pair in good spirits when pictured together ahead of Sunday’s first leg in Huddersfield.

But with Chansiri having publicly stated a desire for the club to gain promotion in time for their 150th anniversary this year, Carvalhal’s future appears up in the air.

But central defender Loovens insists that Carvalhal can count on the full support of his players, still picking up the pieces of Wednesday’s cruel defeat on penalties.

He said: “Over the past two years, he is been a part of what we have been building.

“He is a big part of it, I like him as a person and a coach and all the boys are behind him.

“It is up to the people above (Carvalhal’s future). We have no say. If it is my say, then we go out together again.”

Earlier this month, Carvalhal threatened to walk out of a press conference after being questioned about his future at the club, following uncertainty regarding the length of his current deal.

On the eve of the play-off final last May, he revealed that he had signed a three-year contract. But speaking on the recent Sheffield Live show, the Portuguese implied that his deal expires this summer.

On the topic of his future, Carvalhal, speaking on Wednesday evening, added: “It is not the time to talk about that. There are too many rumours around and things that don’t make any sense.

“Now we have finished, like with last season, I will sit with the chairman and talk because we have a fantastic relationship with each other.

“We talk and let’s see what happens.

“But it is not a problem and I don’t have any kind of problem. But you understand that I don’t want to talk about this, at this moment.

“At the correct time, I will talk with him and we will see what happens in the future.”

Owls owner Chansiri has pledged the Owls will bounce back from their play-off heartache.

“When the wounds have healed we must use the scars to regroup, move on and take positive strides forward,” Chansiri said.

“Some things in football are never certain but one thing I can guarantee is that I will continue to do everything possible and in my power to help us all succeed.

“We will analyse every area of the business and improve it to ensure we are prepared for the next challenge ahead.

“As your chairman I lead from the top and I am sorry for you, our incredible supporters, that we could not continue the journey this season to the destination we all yearn to be.

“But be assured that events such as last night make me all the more determined to return our lovely club to the top table of English football.”