Goalkeeper Ryan has revealed that he has respect for the former Manchester United man for his accomplishments as a player.
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While the switch to Spain represents a new start for Neville, it also brings to an end his successful stint as one of the figureheads of Sky Sports’ popular show, Monday Night Football.
Neville, who confirmed brother Phil and former Valencia player Miguel Angel Angulo as his coaches, is determined to make the most of his short-term role.
“I have been offered many jobs in football over the last four or five years but the timing has not been right”, Neville told a news conference in Valencia on Thursday.
“On Sunday evening the first contact was made, by Monday evening it was accepted Tuesday we talked about logistics and coaching, Wednesday was announcement and today was the first time I could get over here”. This is a wonderful football club.
“If I’d turned down this job I would have said goodbye to my credibility because it’s a massive club and I’m honoured and proud to be here”.
Neville’s response gave little away: “That’s a hard one. I hope for all the best for Gary”.
“I know I need to prove myself to the Valencia players and fans that I can do this job”.
The Nevilles have a business relationship with Lim, who was in attendance when the club officially unveiled the 40-year-old as manager yesterday.
What’s “chat shit, get banged” in Spanish?
“If Phil wasn’t here I would want him here”. “He is diligent, hardworking, and talented”.
Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who both played for and managed Valencia, has stressed the key to Neville’s chances of succeeding will be his attributes as a manager, with the fact he has not been a part of a Spanish club before not necessarily important.
A power struggle behind the scenes saw club president Amadeo Salvo and sporting director Rufete forced out in the summer and a number of super-agent Jorge Mendes’ client stable signed. Neville is Valencia’s sixth manager since Unai Emery left in 2012.
The surprise appointment marks Neville’s first foray into management after Valencia parted company with Nuno Espirito Santo following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Sevilla.
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Valencia have won La Liga six times but are without a major trophy since winning the Copa del Rey in 2008. I will expect players to assist – at Old Trafford players were excellent in enabling new people to settle in.
