The Valencia great also raised concerns over Neville’s experience as a coach, with the former Manchester United and England defender-turned-pundit venturing into his first managerial position.
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The former England global told reporters it was a job opportunity he couldn’t turn down. Moyes didn’t adapt to Spanish football, he didn’t learn the language, didn’t connect with the Sociedad players and couldn’t transmit his philosophy.
“When I received the call on Sunday evening about this job I thought “what an opportunity, what a challenge”.
United legend Neville was a surprise appointment at the Mestalla, and while there has been generally positive reaction from across the game, there have also been voices rightfully urging caution.
Neville’s first game in charge will come in the pivotal Champions League tie with Lyon next week and he explained why he is leaving Saturday’s visit of Barcelona to the stand-in coaching pair of Phil and Salvador Gonzalez.
It’s a well informed and calculated move from the former England right back, like the ones he made all his career which included strict preparations before the game to be at his best on the field.
“I would not insult a club like Valencia by saying that I am going to come over and start playing like Manchester United”.
The Singaporean businessman has invested heavily in the Spanish club but is also a business partner of Gary Neville in their ownership of English side Salford City.
New Valencia boss Gary Neville said he would have lost all credibility if he had rejected the chance to manage the Spanish club. “I like it when ex-players go in that profession, but it’s a big step, it was for me”. “I will take lessons every day – but I can’t find a teacher to get up at 6am”.
“I won’t be making any short decisions here”.
“I would question it as a neutral observer and would be sceptical, wanting to be proven otherwise”. “I was 39 when I stepped in with Ajax, he’s 40, so it’s a big responsibility”.
In order to help him along the way, it was believed that Neville would be bringing in a couple of new players to Valencia during the January transfer window but the former Sky Sports Pundit has gone on to deny such claims.
“In Valencia we know nearly nothing about Gary Neville, he’s an unknown”, the 45-year-old retired goalkeeper said.
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Neville added: “I’m incredibly excited to be here. It would have been unfair on the players”.
